Yasmina Thomas of Warwick was awarded a Doctoral Degree from Johnson & Wales University Thursday, May 16 in ceremonies at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Thomas, who is an elementary school teacher at Primrose Hill School in Barrington, achieved this accomplishment while raising a family and holding a full-time job. The Doctoral program in Education consisted of a three-year intensive and rigorous program that was achieved by going to school on weeknights and weekends. Thomas is one of only 15 graduates in the Doctoral Program to receive this high honor from Johnson & Wales. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Rhode Island College; this degree was also accomplished while raising her family. Thomas is a mother of three boys, J’Kiah, Carter and Isreal Thomas. She is the wife of Carter A. Thomas Jr., a retired First Sergeant combat veteran from the Rhode Island National Guard. Pictured with her from left are: Carter A. Thomas Jr., Yasmina Thomas, Carter Thomas III, and Isreal Thomas.