Forty-nine of sixty-seven Sixth Form students in the Advanced Level class of 2015, at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, are off to a new start in life. They graduated on Tuesday evening, June 23, having met the graduation criteria after two years of intensive study.
Minister of Education, Evans McNiel Rogers, in congratulating them on behalf of the Anguilla Government, told the graduates that the fact they remained sufficiently focused to be at the graduation ceremony was highly commendable.
“It is my view, and I am sure you will agree, that Sixth Form is a breeding ground for future leaders,” the Minister told the graduating students. “You are leaving here well-equipped with the tools that you need to progress in your educational journey – and the confidence, courage and analytical mind necessary to blaze trails rather than simply following the beaten path.”
Mr. Rogers continued: “Your chosen theme for this ceremony – Unlocking Doors and Conquering Dreams suggests to me that you fully appreciate that your Sixth Form experience has provided the opportunity for you to chart your own course and to achieve the goals that you have set for yourselves. I urge you to go forward in faith, knowing that you are well-prepared, and always demonstrate gratitude for the support of your teachers, parents, extended family, friends and community members without which you would not have made this far. As I congratulate you I also congratulate them, because I am more than certain that it took tremendous effort on their part to prepare you for the future that is now within your reach.”
The keynote speaker was Mr. Claudel Romney, Senior Partner, BDO Eastern Caribbean. “Opening each door – the way to conquering your dream – is an integral part of your success,” he told the graduates. “Dreams can take on various forms: a successful career, a successful business, political office, a dream house or anything else imaginable. Whatever the dream, a solid education will assist you in getting there.”
Mr. Romney went on: “Not everyone will share your vision. If you have a big idea, a big dream, ignore doubters and go for it. The world is full of skeptics. You have to put yourself out there – win or lose – if you want to have a chance. You must go out on a limb to get fruit. If you fall down five times, get up six times. Believe in your talents even when others do not like your style. Believe in you. Remember when you are being rejected, you are on your way to something big. Find the right job/career that would be a right fit for your personality. Focus on the reasons for your shortcomings to allow you to make improvements that lead to success. Work hard and improve your skills and never give up, Winners are never quitters and quitters are seldom winners. Unleash your creativity and your entrepreneurial drive and adopt the slogan: Yes I can.”
Mrs. Ingrid Lake, the Principal of the school, described the departing students as “a group of extremely interesting individuals”. She told them: “I must commend you for making the decision to further your education at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School by enrolling in the Sixth Form programme. To some people it is a waste of time. To others it offers the opportunity to acquire skills, enhances maturity and provides important prerequisites for enrolment in any college and/or university…
“As your teachers, we were truly pleased with the positive approach of a few students who demonstrated a mature, disciplined and committed approach to learning. I am confident that those students will do well in the recently-concluded examinations. Others will have to reflect on how much time was wasted under the sheds – time that could have been more constructively used for research, review and writing of assignments. I trust that irrespective of how the time was spent that all of you would have learned from the Sixth Form experience that could have only enhanced your development, and better prepare you for the world of work and the demands of any programme at any institution of higher learning.”
Mrs. Lake, known for her spiritual guidance moral encouragement to students, added: “I know it is difficult to ignore the critics, and they are good in destroying your ego. I am also quite aware that there will be a number of road blocks and obstacles that you will encounter because this world in which we live could be harsh, dangerous, destructive and depressing. But I am also cognizant that with determination, with perseverance and, most of all, a deep faith in your creator, you will be able to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals – because our world is also warm, loving, caring, compassionate and beautiful. You determine your world. Enjoy what your creator has given you. Make sense out of nonsense. Negativity saps your energy, destroys your passion and immobilizes you. Strive to be positive and develop a good sense of humour.”
Certificates and Awards were presented to the graduates by Mrs. Lake assisted by teachers Ms. Veneshaw Hodge and Mrs. Mary Smith. One of the graduates, Miss Melissa Harrigan, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
