West St. George Secondary celebrates first graduation

The West St George Secondary School’s class of 2009 will surely be cemented in the annals of the school’s history as being the first class to graduate.{{more}}

At a ceremony held on Monday, June 29th, the school honoured 43 students as they completed this stage of their lives and prepared to move on to the next.

Feature speaker Pastor Gevandeen Wilson reminded the students that this juncture is not the end, but rather the next step to success. He urged them not to abandon their dreams and goals, but instead endeavour to achieve them. “Keep your dream alive! Nobody who has a dream worth pursuing is willing to… watch it wither and die.”

Wilson encouraged the students to stick to their paths and not be side-tracked by the temptations of the world. More importantly, he pressed upon them the need to persevere regardless of the challenges they might face. Wilson cited notable persons such as the biblical Joseph and Barack Obama, as those who have overcome tremendous adversity to attain greatness. “Regardless of how impossible it may seem, all dreams can be achieved through the help of God!”

Valedictorian Cordero Telesford delivered a heartfelt speech as he expressed his appreciation of the impact that his fellow students, teachers and parents have had on the school’s many successes. Telesford expressed the high hopes he has for each of his classmates, and encouraged them to stay focused on their goals, learn from their experiences and surpass expectations.

In particular, he drew inspiration from his classmate Newton Nedd, who lost his grandmother and mother within a year, but still managed to attend school, complete his exams and receive an award for Perseverance for the Academic Year 2009. “Don’t ever give up. Be hopeful!” he urged.

In his address, Principal Asfo Stephens sang the praises of the students and recounted the ways in which many of them had improved since they started at the school’s inception in 2004. Stephens went on to chart the numerous academic, sporting and extra curricular successes that the school is proud of.

Luis de Shong, Deputy Chief Education Officer, reminisced on the role he played in the founding of the school, and expressed his pride at the success of the class of 2009. de Shong congratulated students, teachers and parents, and reminded them that they, too, should be proud of the strides the school has taken since its inception.

He further praised the contributions of Eileen Alinda Hypolite, who was the first Principal at the school. de Shong also pressed upon teachers to engage and inspire their students. “Rise above the ordinary that exists in many schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Several students took home awards, which recognised their excellent performances through the past school year. Raphael Williams took home subject awards for English Language, Social Studies and History, and a special award for Most Outstanding Academic Student. Jathniel Roban received subject awards for Human and Social Biology(HSB), Geography, Physical Education, and was given the Principal’s Award and Most Improved Student Award for the 2009 Academic Year. Keyon Constance was the other recipient of the Principal’s Award, and received subject awards for Principles of Business and Office Administration.

Other subject awards went to Xaveon Caesar – Mathematics; Ariel Patterson – HSB; Cordero Telesford – Principles of Accounts; Tassian McFee – EDPM; Nakeitha Morris – Home Management and Food & Nutrition; and Marky Chambers – Clothing and Textiles.

Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year went to Andre Lavia and Suzette Jordan, respectively. Cayce John was awarded Most Disciplined Student, and Latoya Findlay received an acknowledgement award for designing the school’s official logo.

Remarks were also given by Acting Prime Minister and West St George Constituency Representative Mike Browne and parent Joslyn Matthias. Browne highlighted the Unity Labour Party’s commitment to educating the nation. “The development of our people is paramount… that is our priority.”

He further commended the graduating students for their determination to succeed in the face of hardships that had beset them along the way – they had all been unsuccessful at the Common Entrance Examination. “The improvement of these children in difficult circumstances… deserves a round of applause!” (JSV)