GHS valedictorian surprised to be chosen as top student of the year

The valedictorian of the Class of 2016 of the Girls’ High School seems to have been surprised at the honour bestowed on her.

As she gave the valedictory address at the school’s graduation ceremony on June 23, Marselena Melville expressed disbelief at the fact that she was delivering the valedictory address.{{more}}

“I never thought that a little loud mouth, Leeward girl would stand before you today with six awards, delivering the valedictorian speech,” she said at the ceremony at the Kingstown Methodist Church.

The petite lass, however, said she had been waiting for graduation day since she entered the school.

“Am I the only one who has been waiting on this day since Form One?” she asked, to loud cheers and applause from the graduating class.

Melville, a resident of Campden Park, also said that her speech was not a nostalgic one, but one which looks towards the future.

“This speech is not one of nostalgia. Instead of looking back, I want us all to look forward and see ourselves 10 years from now, when we are successful at the budding stages of our careers.”

Throughout her speech, she encouraged her colleagues to look ahead and work hard in order to be successful.

“I want on this day to engage in introspection, to look at ourselves now and see ourselves in the future,” said the aspiring paediatrician.

“If we want success, we have to put in the hard work, so that we can get the most out of life. Always encourage yourself, believe in yourself, love yourself and never doubt who you are,” she continued.

She concluded her speech by cautioning the class against consuming themselves with instantaneous success and self actualization.

“Do not consume yourselves with the prospects of immediate success and immediate self actualization. Stay on track and show the world we can. We can and we will carry forth the torch of excellence.”

Melville, who was described as an outstanding student and athlete, received the Lady Antrobus’ prize for English B, the award for Physics, the Pauline Young award for Mathematics, one of five top prefect awards, the award for the student who best exemplifies the school spirit and the Prime Minister’s award for student of the year.

Xaria Young received the Laverne Velox award for the most outstanding Staff House student, the Louise Cambridge-Haywood award for deportment and the Norma Keizer award for leadership.

Jessica Prescott was the recipient of the prizes for Spanish and Information Technology and the Headmistress’ award for service to the school.(CA)