120 graduate from the Girls’ High School

One hundred and twenty students recently graduated from the Girls’ High School (GHS), holding the honour of doing so in the year of the institution’s 100th anniversary of existence.{{more}}

On Tuesday, June 21, teachers, family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the New Testament Church of God to celebrate with the graduating class, which has reached another milestone in its educational career.

The students, from six fifth form classes, were addressed by feature speaker Dr Gloria Regisford.

After briefly reminiscing on her own tenure at the GHS, she congratulated the graduands on their achievement, but reminded them that they still have more hurdles to overcome.

“If you think you’re done with books, let me remind you [that] you have only just begun!” she insisted.

Regisford also told the graduands that they should recognise and appreciate the moment because many women throughout the world are not afforded the privilege of receiving an education – whether through poverty or gender inequality.

“Education is a gift! Use your education to bring about change for the better.”

She said that success is not beyond their grasp, but they must find something that they are passionate about to forge successful careers.

Regisford told them that they should not be afraid of failure as it is simply “a postponement of success.”

“A person who has never failed has never tried anything. There is no shame in falling down. Only shame in not picking yourself up and moving forward.”

The graduation ceremony saw several students being awarded for their academic, artistic and sporting prowess at the GHS.

Student of the Year Kayrel Edwards was at the forefront of the pack, receiving an impressive ten awards.

River Providence received six awards: the Governor General’s Prize for English, the Lady Antrobus Prize for English, the Pauline Young Award for Mathematics, the 2011 Centenary Prefect Award, the Cheryl King Community Award, and the Norma Keizer Award for Leadership.

Ira Holder and Rebekah Williams received three awards each. Holder took home the Award for Perseverance, the 2011 Staff House Award, and the Sancho Lyttle Prize for Athletics. Williams got the Summa Wear Garments Award for Clothing and Textiles, Prize for Document Preparation, and the Award for Social Studies.

Shanique Alexander took home two awards: the Awards for Integrated Science and for Accounts.

In her remarks, Headmistress Andrea Bowman described the graduating class as one of “commendable calibre”.

Bowman lamented the fact that the graduating class did not have a 100 per cent graduation rate. When they joined the school in September 2006, there were 128 of them.

She did, however, take pride in the group of students, highlighting their triumphs in academics, the arts, music, sport and religious knowledge.

“Be strong. You do not have to be thugs to be respected. Neither do you have to flaunt your sexuality…”

She urged them to continue to equip themselves with the educational tools that will help them compete with the best on the world stage.

“This is the tradition of which you are a part,” she said. (JV)