Calliaqua School to reward top performer

The principal and the best common entrance performer of the Calliaqua Anglican Primary School will both be given an all expense paid trip to Florida later this year.

The smiling Principal Yvette Bowens made the announcement at the first ever official graduation ceremony held by the school last Thursday June 8, at the Calliaqua Anglican church. It is also her first year at the helm of the school.{{more}}

The trips are just part of the outstanding act of generosity by former student, Florida social work executive, Jahi Hasanati also known as Michael Arthur. In addition to the Florida trips the first placed common entrance student will also receive a five-year, $1000 annual secondary school scholarship.

In her principal’s report, the beaming Bowens told the packed church of other donations that the school is excitedly looking forward to including two scholarships and a commitment by Governor General Sir Frederick Ballentyne to make the establishment of the school library “possible”. Another past student Ruth Stevens has also made scholarship donations to the tune of $2500. “Just call it the favour of the Lord,” said Bowens.

When she addressed the gathering, an openly impressed senator Rochelle Forde pledged her support to the school. “Call on me any time and I will be there,’ she declared to thunderous applause. Forde was standing in for area representative the Hon. Clayton Burgin who unfortunately could not attend. She told the graduates to stay focused and avoid the attraction to easy living and quick money.

The plea to keep focused was further reiterated by the feature speaker Anita Nanton who challenged the graduates to find the courage to say no to negative things. “You must be willing to struggle” she told the attentive group of students. The former school principal with 35 years experience and current Chief Operating Officer of House of Hope Society encouraged the children to have faith in themselves knowing that they can change the world.

Fifty eight students graduated, with Shane Burgin being adjudged the most outstanding student. He also won the award for mathematics.