Sixth Form students, who graduated from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on Wednesday, June 25, have been applauded by the Principal, Mrs Ingrid Lake, for their perseverance and commitment. They have also been particularly praised for honouring the basic rules and regulations of the institution.
In delivering the Principal’s Report at the graduation ceremony, Mrs Lake observed that in 2012 sixty-one students registered for the two-year sixth form programme; and by September 2013, that number had been reduced to forty-five. She pointed out that 67 percent of that group had qualified to participate in Wednesday’s graduation ceremony. The figures therefore showed that thirty students qualified for graduation, while fifteen did not meet the required criteria.
“I am aware that the programme was not an easy one for many of you,” the Principal told the graduates. “You were faced with the challenge of managing your many non-contact sessions, engaging in relevant research to boost knowledge, improving analytical skills that ensure achievement at the highest level; and transforming attitudes and approaches that would assist you in becoming more responsible and independent students.”
Mrs Lake continued: “You would have cheated yourselves by not being prudent with your time and effort. You would have decided to cut corners rather than giving of your best. Irrespective of the decisions you would have made with respect to your work ethics, I am confident that the sixth form experience has enhanced your development; and that you are more prepared to meet the challenges that you will encounter at any institution of learning or in the workplace.”
The Principal noted that some of the graduates were already concerned about their inability to finance their college or university education. “This will become a sore point, especially at a time when government scholarships have declined as well as grants and other financial aid,” she went on. “Elections are in the air so that may change. Others are going to become extremely despondent because of the inability to gain employment…My simple advice to you is to exercise patience. Be strong and courageous. Continue to educate yourselves. Tough times do not last forever.”
Mrs Lake said she would always remember the challenges, the bond and the lessons experienced at the school; and was grateful to the students for their contributions and active involvement in the life of the school. “Many of you have made your teachers, and, by extension, the entire Anguillian community proud,” she added. “Continue to be beacons of hope for our young people. As you continue on your journey, keep in mind that life is not fair, but God is faithful.”
Mrs Michelle Carty, the Sixth Form Coordinator, was one of the leading teachers involved in the preparation of the graduation ceremony, at which the welcome and opening remarks were delivered by the chairman, Mr Rondy Isles-Carty. The keynote speaker was Ms Shellya Rogers, Programme Officer at the Department of Youth and Culture. The certificates and awards were presented by Mrs Ingrid Lake and Mrs Michelle Carty.
