Little Kendra stands tall as valedictorian

Kendra King stands a little over 5 feet tall, but this Biabou resident has big dreams.

King was the 2010 valedictorian at the first ever amalgamated graduation ceremony held on Tuesday at the Victoria Park.{{more}} In addition to delivering her valedictory speech in front of hundreds of her peers, King, who studied at the Division of Teacher Education (secondary programme), was also awarded with the Divisional award for excellence.

Shortly after accepting her award from Education Minister Girlyn Miguel, King smiled broadly as she spoke of her accomplishment to SEARCHLIGHT.

“I feel really elated today because I know I worked very hard to get to this point,” King said with a smile.

Admitting teaching hadn’t always been her first love, the 23-year-old said she always wanted to work in a bank. “It was just a case of sending out applications after school and then I got a call for me to teach,” King explained.

King got her first teaching opportunity at the North Union Secondary School, where she taught for three years. That is where her love for teaching began. “I really enjoyed my time there…that is where my love for teaching developed,” King told SEARCHLIGHT.

According to King, teaching has helped to mould her into a much more disciplined and positive individual.

Offering advice to the other graduates and persons wishing to pursue a career in teaching, King said they must first love what they are doing before going into the field.

“Teaching is a great field, and it helps you a lot once you put God first in all that you do,” she noted.

As for her future plans, King revelead that she would love to pursue a degree in Education.

She also urged the graduates to celebrate their accomplishment and let the celebration continue as they look forward to the future.

The Divisional award for Excellence for the Division of Arts, Sciences and General Studies went to Shanelle Clarke.

Seon Anderson copped the divisional award for excellence in the primary programme of the Division of Teacher Education.

Deano Williams from the Division of Technical and Vocational Education, Electronic Maintenance and Repairs walked away with that Division’s excellence award.

In the Division of Nursing Education, Registered Nursing programme, Anna Alexander received the Yvonne Francis Gibson Shield Award for excellence. Kondis Samuel was awarded for being the most determined student, while Simone Bowens was given the SVG General Nursing Council Shield Regional examination award for excellence.

Several other students were awarded in different subjects areas in all four divisions.