Thomas Saunders Secondary improved in all areas during eighth year – Principal

Despite some minor turbulence, the Thomas Saunders Secondary School experienced a relatively good eighth year of existence.Prinicpal John Renton{{more}}, during the school’s fourth graduation ceremony on June 20, informed the graduating class, faculty, parents and well-wishers, that the school has seen improvement in all areas, including academics, athletics and sports and extra-curricular activities.

Renton said that the school recorded a five per cent improvement in results at the CSEC examinations, placing it at the top of the national list for co-educational schools.

He said he had issued a challenge to the members of the present graduating class to exceed the 78.5 per cent pass mark attained by the 2012 class.

“I have a feeling there will be more passing more than nine subjects this year,” Renton said.

In athletics and sports, Renton said there were challenges in athletics, where a club coach disrupted the school’s track and field programme.

“Lord Have Mercy, grant us peace,” Renton pleaded, to the loud applause by members of the congregation at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

He also noted that although the school’s performance was not as spectular as the last outing at the Penn Relays in the United States, the students participated with honour both on and off the field.

The principal congratulated the graduating students for their individual and collective accomplishments, and thanked them for their contribution and role played in building the institution.

“As you stand on the brink of new challenges, I am confident that your education has provided you with the tools that you will need to build your future…. I will be proud to endorse you as graduates of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School.”

88 students graduated from the school this year, from five fifth form classes, consisting 34 boys and 54 girls.

Student of Form Five Business Tonnika Richards, was adjudged Valedictorian, with Veron Browne named Student of the Year.

Richards delivered her valedictory speech with the humour and reflection expected of a farewell address, but also had serious words of wisdom for her fellow graduates.

“I urge you to stay focused. This is a marathon, not a sprint; the arena in which we must compete is a real one, so let’s brace ourselves, put on the appropriate armour and get ready to fight our wars….”

Words of inspiration also flowed from featured speaker 2012 valedictorian at the UWI Cave Hill campus Terral Mapp.

Speaking on the theme “Realize your potential, achieve your goal,” the young and upcoming economist urged the youngsters to surround themselves with people who would push them to push themselves.

“Your comfort zone has come to an end, and the time has come for you to be the voice for change. The time has come for you to be the driving force… the time has come for you to be the change to a world that needs guidance, a world where our young people are our future and hope for a better tomorrow,” Mapp said.

“Believe in your own dreams, and radically rule your destiny, in a world full of problems, you are here to make a difference. There is not a shred of doubt in my mind that you can do it,” he added.(JJ)