BHS valedictorian urges classmates to keep heads high, hearts open

The Bethel High School graduating class of 2016 was on Tuesday encouraged to strive for excellence by their valedictorian Jimmisha Sam, who also reminded them, “the future begins here today.”

“Let me remind us that we have only completed a basic education that will serve as a platform we use to launch ourselves into our future,” Sam told her classmates at the Apostolic Faith Mission at Campden Park.{{more}}

She reminded her fellow graduates that there would be challenges ahead of them and encouraged them to meet those challenges with their heads held high and their hearts wide open.

“We must try to excel in everything we do and strive for excellence in every task ahead,” she added.

Sam also walked away with academic awards in Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business and Spanish.

The past prefect reminisced about what she described as memorable experiences that she shared with her classmates, noting field trips, art festivals and sports training, among other extracurricular activities.

“How can we forget the long assemblies with the thoughts given by Mr John, of course,” she said jokingly, triggering laughter in the audience.

Sam recalled taking part in an initiative that included the physical transformation of the school.

“The physical transformation that took place included brightened, customized walls that positively affected our learning environment, motivating us to work harder.”

She noted that to be a part of the graduating class, the students, herself included, had to work extremely hard, “but we didn’t do it by ourselves” she added.

Sam acknowledged teachers, parents and God, thanking them for their contributions, commitment, support and life, respectively.

In closing, the valedictorian told the graduating class that the road to success is not straight, once again reminding them that they will meet challenges.

“There is a curve called failure, a loop called confusion, speed bumps called friends, red lights called enemies, caution lights called family; you will have flat tires called jobs. But if you have a spare tire called determination, an engine called perseverance, insurance called faith, a driver called God, you will make it to a place called success,” she quoted.

Other students who received awards include: Shemar Matthews (Most Disciplined Student), Keyon Lewis (Perseverance Award), Darrell Simmons (Sports Award – Male), Calisha Velox (Sports Award – Female) and Nadicia John who netted the Most Outstanding CSEC Perfor-mance of 2015.(AS)