One of the most important parts of working through failure is to believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

This little nugget of wisdom was imparted by entrepreneur, Karen Veira as she addressed the Girls’ High School 2022 graduating class at a ceremony on June, 27 which was held at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex under the theme, ‘Old Traditions, New Beginnings’.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves with Kerese Cozier, the valedictorian of the 2022 GHS Graduating Class and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Student of the Year

“We will all have trials and tribulations to face. Nobody’s life is perfect, no matter how impeccable it looks on instagram. We will all face struggles one way or the other. The road to success is paved with it. It’s paved with uncertainties, failure and doubt. Do not fear failure for it is how we overcome these uncertainties and these struggles and our failure that’s important,” the feature speaker told the graduating class.

Veira, who graduated from the all-girl institution in 2003, stressed the importance of having a strong support system and choosing one’s friends wisely.

She drew reference from the old adages used by parents and teachers that, ‘you are known by the company you keep’, and that, ‘one bad apple spoils the bunch’.

“These are those old sayings when said to you by parents and teachers, you roll your eyes and sigh because you are simply fed up of hearing it, but the sooner you realise that these three sayings will be one of the determining factors for the next step in life, the better it will be for you,” she said.

Kerese Cozier was named the Girls’ High School’s 2022 valedictorian and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Student of the Year.

Cozier copped a total of seven awards given out on graduation day, including for her academic performance in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Information Technology.

In keeping with the trend of valedictory speeches, the student of the year took the audience down memory lane with mentions of some memorable moments in the five-year sojourn at the Girls’ High School.

Entrepreneur, Karen Veira delivered the feature address at this year’s graduation ceremony

As she reflected, Cozier noted that when she first entered the first form, “I never thought I could’ve come a bit close to the other brilliant minds around me…”

“Yet, I have the honour today of delivering the valedictorian’s address. Even though I might have had doubt about my academic ability back then, I still worked towards and achieved my own goals and here I am today before you. This serves as a strong statement, encouragement and reminder that you should never let your mindset limit your abilities and that where there is a will, there is always a way,” she said.

She urged the graduating class not to forget the hardships they have faced, particularly in the past few years when their schooling was disrupted by the pandemic and volcanic eruption.

“…We were not deterred from pursuing our dreams as we pushed harder. All of this would not have been possible without persons around us who have encouraged us, helped us, motivated us or supported us in one way or another,” the valedictorian said, as she took the time to thank teachers for their support throughout the graduating class’ entire secondary school life.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves was in attendance at this week’s graduation ceremony and delivered brief remarks in which he assured students that his administration continues to put initiatives in place to ensure that all have access to higher education, no matter their circumstances.