West St. George Secondary School celebrates 20th Anniversary: A Beacon of Education in the West

The West St George Secondary Secondary School(WSGSS) celebrated its 20th year of establishment with a ceremony that was held under the theme “A rare torch shining from the West.”

Curtis King, Minister of Education

Located in Belair, Monday September, 16, 2024 was therefore not an ordinary day for the school. The educational institution was adorned with balloons and decorations in the colours of this country’s national flag to celebrate its 20 years of providing a secondary education to hundreds of students.

The ceremony saw current students, teachers, and alumni of the WSGSS, along with government officials in attendance to celebrate the momentous occasion.

Students, who are currently enrolled in the school led worship through song, while others showcased the institution’s many other talents by gracing the audience with dance and music featuring such instruments as the drum and steel pan.

Minister of Education, Curtis King, who addressed the audience encouraged the leadership of the school to reflect on their progress and to use that reflection as a guide on their way forward.

Alinda Hypolite, first Principal of WSGSS.

“And very importantly as you reflect, do not fail to use the occasion to mobilize resources for the further development of your school,” he added.

Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves encouraged the students to make good use of their education and to stay away from illegal and unproductive activities.

“If you get involved in those, it’s either you’re going jail young or you’re dead young, or you go jail first and when you come out you’re dead,” he said, while adding that these are the choices that are available to people who intend to live a poor lifestyle.

Principal, Dianne Williams in her address spoke of the school’s history and its achievements in academics and other fields over the years.

She highlighted achievements in music, sports such as cricket, basketball, volleyball, track and field, table tennis, netball, football; as well as in public speaking; Bible competitions; and art.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves

During her presentation, Williams highlighted several alumni of the school who are now chefs, accountants, bank tellers, fashion designers, teachers, technicians, masons and carpenters.

Past student of the school, Keyon Constance, and first Principal Alinda Hypolite, were guest speakers at the ceremony and reminisced about their time spent at the institution.

A special presentation was also done for honourees Theresa Da Souza, Khadisha Plaugh-Jackson, Josette Greaves and Claydon Prescott for the contributions made towards the success of the school.

Former Minister of Education Cecil Mckie (right), receives appreciation award.

Also present at the ceremony was Senior Education Officer for Secondary Schools Godwin James; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Myccle Burke; Senior Education Officer Aldia Dyer; members of the Clergy; representatives from businesses and organisations that partner with the school. Among them were Administrative Director of the Mustique Charitable Trust, Dularie Malcom, and Chief Executive Officer of the Zero Hunger Trust Fund Safiya Horne-Bique. Also in attendance were former Minister of Tourism and Culture Cecil Mckie, who was Member of Parliament for West St George; the school’s second Principal, Asfo Stephens; Principals of neighbouring schools; past teachers and students of WSGSS; members of the Parent/Teacher Association executive and residents of the community. The West St George Secondary School opened its doors to just over 100 students at the start of the 2004 school year; it currently provides a holistic education to around 400 students and has a staff complement of 35 along with a Principal and Deputy Principal.

Plaques of the three Principals who have served the school also have been unveiled in honour of Alinda Hypolite and Asfo Stephens (past Principals), and Dianne Williams (current Principal).