The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School has seen one of its largest graduations over a period of several years. The event, at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium, on Wednesday, October 17, was the school’s 23rd Year Five Graduation.
Some 126 students graduated at the ceremony attended by hundreds of persons comprising Government officials, educators, parents and guardians and other members of the public.
Minister of Education and Social Development, Edison Baird, extended hearty congratulations to the graduates for their hard work and participation in the ceremony.
“This ceremony marks your transition from secondary education into life-long learning,” he told them. “While you have achieved much, since education is a lifelong process, you cannot afford to be complacent. The world around us is changing too rapidly for your education to end here. Your learning must continue way beyond this point. Whatever your career goal, it is absolutely imperative to acquire new knowledge and to keep abreast with the latest developments in your chosen field, if not you will quickly get left behind.”
The Minister added: “You are already off to a good start. While I congratulate you on your success, I must also congratulate your parents and guardians, your teachers from pre-school through to secondary school, your counselors and all others who would have supported you, encouraged you, studied with you and kept you focussed on achieving this milestone.”
The keynote address was delivered by local businessman and aspiring political leader, Sutcliffe Hodge. “As the graduating class of 2012, you are now at a crossroad in your life. It is a dangerous place to stay still,” he stated. “You must move on! There are serious implications with the decisions that you now have to make and, increasingly, those decisions will be your own as young adults.”
Mr. Hodge went on: “You have an opportunity to challenge this brave new world filled with obstacles and opportunities…The opportunity of a brighter tomorrow brings much hope for each of you. There will be challenges but if you face them carefully and prayerfully, and with a resolve to succeed, you will and you must succeed.”
He urged them to contribute towards making Anguilla a better place and, by extension, the Caribbean and the rest of the world, as well as to bettering their families and themselves.
Congratulatory remarks were delivered by the Principal of the School, Mrs. Ingrid Lake, who was proud of the achievements of the graduates and wished them continued success. Mrs. Lake, assisted by Mrs. Euridith Brown and Mrs. Annishka Brooks, presented the certificates and awards.
Best CXC results were achieved by Kemba Hughes and Most Outstanding Student was Cordane Richardson. The Valedictorian was Jose Vanterpool, the male student who obtained passes in 16 subjects.
Special awards for students were provided by the National Bank of Anguilla, Webster Dyrud Mitchell, First Anguilla Trust Company and the Calder Simon Award organisation. This award was presented to Cordane Richardson and Asharn Hodge.
