Brighton Methodist School holds third annual Graduation

“It is better to try and fail than fail to try.” These were the encouraging words of the diminutive, 11-year-old Valedictorian Cassy Bradshaw as she addressed her fellow graduates of the 2009 class of the Brighton Methodist School.{{more}}

The School held its third annual Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 24th June 2009, at the Apostolic Assemblies Diamond. The ceremony was held under the theme “Shaping our lives to face the challenges of tomorrow.”

In addition to the Valedictory speech, the forty graduates heard some resounding messages from Principal Laverne Warrican, Parliamentary Representative Clayton Burgin and Feature Speaker, University of the West Indies student Fidel Snagg.

Addressing the Graduates, Snagg used an acrostic “SHAPE” to advise students on how to face the many challenges that lie ahead. Snagg implored the students to be true to their Selves, to have Humility, to Apply themselves fervently in their Academics, to have Purpose, to be Persistent, to plan their lives and make sure that those plans are lived out, to constantly pray for God’s guidance and finally to Enjoy their lives as young people.

“Don’t try to take on adult responsibilities that aren’t your own,” Snagg cautioned. “If you try to become an adult before it is your time, you will not have a sweet life.”

Snagg also advised the students to be responsible for themselves, to push themselves to attain their goals when no one else would. He urged students to be persistent and to embrace whatever challenges they may face in life as it makes accomplishments richer. “Challenges give us something to conquer, something for us to feel good about accomplishing.”

He also encouraged the students to use their knowledge in every day situations and not let it remain within the classroom. “You can’t get all this knowledge and leave it on a paper…your knowledge must not stay in a test book,” he said.

Snagg further asked the students to let their lives be shaped by God and let Him guide them to make the right decisions.

Also extending his congratulations, Parliamentary Representative Clayton Burgin told the students to stay focused and to not forget their alma mater.

Valedictorian Cassy Bradshaw, who received a number of prizes, thanked her family, teachers and friends for making her years at the school a fun and memorable one. Cassy, who placed first for the school in the recent Common Entrance Examinations, received prizes for that accomplishment as well as for placing first in the three subject areas.

Ianthea Simon received prizes for placing second for the school in the Common Entrance Exams as well as being the most consistent worker. Natesha Hinds received a prize for being the most disciplined student and book vouchers were presented to the students who were successful in the Common Entrance Examinations. Awards were also given to teachers and sponsors of the school for their years of dedication and service.(OS)