Male graduates top class of 18

By Davion Smith, BVI News Online Staff

Delroy Prince was among 18 students smartly dressed in gowns and caps for the graduation ceremony last Wednesday at the Seventh-day Adventist School (Elementary Division).

The young Prince was declared top performer in academics at the institution.

Another male, D’Von Jones, copped the second spot.

All eyes seemed fixed on both boys at the ceremony where they each received an impressive seven awards for academic performance.

D’Von said his feat could not have been accomplished without the support of his father Dennis, who encourages him every morning to be the ‘tip of the top, the drip of the drop, and cream of the crop’.

In his salutatory remarks at the graduation, D’Von said: “Thank you Daddy for always demanding from me that I defend my school fee with good grades.”

The youngster further stated that his accomplishments were a gift to his mother Earlena Jones in exchange for the sacrifices she has made for him. “Thanks Mommy for all your help with my projects and assignments, and for waking up early everyday to prepare breakfast and lunch. I wanted to buy you a gift, Mommy, but I never had no money so these results are my gift to you.”

In the meantime, the valedictorian, Delroy, also named his parents Malachi Prince and Krishmacomarie Singh as the main contributors to him becoming top student.

“Mom, Dad I am thankful for your encouragement and for telling me to persevere for excellence. Mom, I truly want to thank you for staying up with me even after you had long hours of work. Thank you for assisting me with my homework. Dad, I’ll always be grateful to you for those tiring and intense projects. I don’t know what I would have done without both of you,” Delroy further said.

He also used his valedictory address to say farewell to members of the graduating class who have developed a close bond over the years. “To be honest, I could not have asked for any better friends than you all… I will always remember the times that we shared in class. Thank you for the memories we created together.”

The top achiever also offered advice to his schoolmates who are still on their primary-level journey. “I wish you all the best as the baton is passed on to you. There will be some good times and some bad times, but never give up… Complete your assignments on time, pay attention in class, work diligently, and study hard,” he said.

Principal at the private school Wade Tobin also spoke at the event. While congratulating the school-leavers, he bragged about the holistic kind of learning that students receive at the institution.

“Adventist education imparts more than academic knowledge; it fosters a balanced development of the whole person – spiritually, intellectually, physically, and social,” he said.

Here are some highlights of the graduation ceremony: