NUSS pays tribute to fallen students

Four students of the North Union Secondary School (NUSS), who died before completing their secondary education, have been awarded posthumous certificates.

The parents of Damien Williams, Jamali Edwards, Chanstacia Stay and Denzel Rodgers received the certificates on behalf of their children, who were due to graduate in 2017.

“The emotional pain of these losses has brought much grief,” principal St Clair Dos Santos said in his report at the school’s 33rd graduation ceremony, held at the Streams of Power Church at Sans Souci on Thursday, June 29.

Damien Williams, formerly of Diamond, died of wounds sustained from an injury, while Denzel Rodgers,16, died on April 6, 2017, after he was caught in a rip current at Mount Young, Black Point.

Jamali Edwards and Chanstacia Stay were two of the seven children who perished in the Rock Gutter tragedy of January 12, 2015.

Also remembered were Mr Gittens, a vendor, who was affectionately known as “Pops,” because of his interest in the children, and graduate teacher Elijah Agbondiga, who died on June 6, 2017.

A tree planting exercise will be held in memory of Agbondiga.

The school also shared in the grief of three of its students who recently lost their mother and uncle when a boat went missing when travelling between Canouan and Mustique.

The ceremony, which was held under the theme: “Follow your dreams; build your future and climb to heights beyond,” saw the venue packed to capacity with students, family members and other visitors. The graduating class comprised 33 students.

The feature address was delivered by Zonell Wilkinson, assistant chief immigration officer.

Wilkinson urged the graduates to be like an eagle, not a yard fowl. She said the yard fowl carries his head downward, is satisfied with anything and lacks ambition. The eagle, on the other hand, is bold, adventurous and strives for higher and better.

“So, strive for excellence! Be an eagle, not a yard fowl!” Wilkinson said, to much laughter from the audience.

Lockesha Harry, the 2017 valedictorian, received four subject awards. She said her goal is to study psychology, but she is open to exploring other career fields. “I just want to be able to learn,” she said.

Remarks were also made by former headboy Kenson King. He encouraged the students to go beyond striving for excellence. “Grab them, dare to be different!” he said.

Area representative Saboto Caesar and a representative from the Ministry of Education also gave brief remarks at the ceremony.(GHJ)