PHOTOS: 198 ESHS students graduate (SEE 300 PHOTOS)
BVI News Staff - Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 12:11 PM
The hard work and sacrifices of the parents, teachers and the 198 graduates of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has paid off, and many gathered at the Multipurpose Sports Complex on June 28 to celebrate with the students.
Premier, Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith told the graduates that as the future custodians of the VI they have the added responsibility of making sure they hand over the Territory to the next generation in as good or better shape than you received it.
“The services you work on developing in your youth; and the institutions that you strengthen in the course of your careers; are the same that you will have to depend on when you have retired from active service. In doing your part, know that you are standing on the shoulders of giants who made their contribution and have improved the general fabric of our lives. For example, H. Lavity Stoutt, who was the first Chief Minister of the BVI and who envisioned higher education for all its people. Also, Adina Donovan, a former Chief Nursing Officer who was instrumental in shaping nursing in the Territory, and others,” he stated.
The Premier congratulated the five young men from the institution who attained a spot on the Territory’s top 10 students list: Klaudius Maynard, Jason Williams Jr., J’Verne Findlay, Devern Robin, and Ricky Singh, and thanked the teachers, Ministry of Education officials, parents/guardians and any other persons that may had a hand in the graduate’s success.
Minister of Education Hon. Myron Walwyn told the graduates :“Your high school certificate, for which you are being recognised today, will open doors for you, but it will not open all doors. Your challenge now is to embark on additional skills and foster your talents so you can realise your dreams and aspirations. The future of the VI depends on what you chose to do with your lives after today.”
He told the 2012 graduates that they need to have their A game at all times and for to be innovators, problem solvers and become assets to their organisations.
“We need you to explore the industries [tourism, financial and technical] to keep our country viable in this globalised world, where being born here only gets you so far and no further,” he charged.
Principal, Melissa Amey admonished the students to take their places in society, and cautioned them not to prepare themselves for anyone else.
She told them: “Society needs us all. There is a place for each of us on the stage of life. Learn your line and play them well…Go slowly and enjoy.”
Pastor Gregory George, the keynote speaker at the ESHS graduation told the students that God has a plan for them.
“You were no mistake; don’t ever believe for once that your life here on earth is a mistake. Maybe somebody took a chance but God doesn’t take chances. God is God that always has a plan. I want you to know that today,” he said.
Valedictorian Klaudius Maynard in his speech said that he was initially overwhelmed with the accolades shown by men young and old. “But what I had done? I simply worked hard, studied hard and stayed focused. What Jason (Williams Jr.)and I have done to me was not a big a deal until I found out that the last time two young men achieved the position of Val and Sal was the same year that I was even born.”
He added: “Jason and I are just the beginning, and we are positive that our success is a fluke. However, the young men after us must class of choose to validate our success. I am sure the young men of the class of 2012 will agree with me when I reiterate that this is just the beginning. We have to be.”
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all ayo pass right….i quit school, lets c who goin b driving the latest and living the A lifestlye….Gaup over evrything, every day, all day
Let’s see for how long.
Love the top photo Shadow. Great job!
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