VPS TURNS OUT LARGEST NUMBER OF GRADUATES

The Valley Primary School, having the largest student population of all the other such schools in Anguilla, had the biggest graduation of students on Monday, July 4.

Valley Primary School’s Graduating Class of 2011

There were a total of 71 graduates in the class of 2011 who will be entering Campus B of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School in September. Kakeera Brooks, who maintained an ‘A’ average in nearly all subject areas, was adjudged “Most Outstanding Academic Student: and NestaBerhane Brooks,“Most Outstanding Male Student”. Brandon Blake was deemed “Most Outstanding Sportsman”.

Valley Primary School’s Graduating Class of 2011

The principal, Paula Etienne, said the graduation was a momentous occasion which every six grader dreamt about: graduating from Primary School and being considered a student of the Comprehensive School.

Education Officials, Techers, Parents, other family and friends and invited guests

“For most of you, the journey has not been easy, however through perseverance and the support of your teachers, parents and friends, you have made it,” she told the graduating students. “As you journey into this new phase of your education, I admonish you to ‘Aim for Excellence’ (the school’s motto). Each of you needs to plot out your future, realising that you can be all that you want to be. Be respectful of yourself, your peers and most of all your parents and teachers and those who helped you and will continue to do so.”

The graduating class at the steel pans

Education Officials, Techers, Parents, other family and friends and invited guests

The keynote speaker was Pastor Welcome of the Dominion Faith Center of The Valley, who is also a tennis player working with young people in Anguilla. He spoke on the theme of the graduation ceremony: “Igniting the spark that writes our Future.” He said the Valley Primary School had written a very important chapter in the lives of the graduates. He outlined several points to the students about how they could overcome the failures of life and to achieve successes.

Hon. Evan Gumbs presenting awards

During the graduation ceremony there were gift presentations to a number of children from Expan Co. Ltd., the Police Force, Richardson’s Car Rental, National Bank Sports Club, Cheddie’s Carving Studio, Harris Richardson and Hon. Evan Gumbs (who presented gifts including a miniature lap top and stationery to the largest number of children).