The Outreach Preschool’s graduation ceremony was held at the Church of God of Holiness, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, on Friday 26 June, under the theme ‘Enthusiasm is as Powerful as Dynamite’. The theme set the tone for the evening’s proceeding; because the children were excited and performed enthusiastically to the delight of the large crowd of parents, guardians, family and friends gathered at the church. All of the pupils participated in the ceremony in song, poetry and dance.
Teacher of the graduating class, Ms Laura Connor, dedicated a special poem of appreciation and well wishes to her students. The graduating students were: girls – Sekioya Gumbs, J’Szae Hughes, Sher’Mya Jacobs, Kericia Liburd, Shaniah Punnette, Jaela Richards, Tiavani Rogers and Deianara Wilson; and boys – Ksani Browne, Sheakoie Carty, Justin De Freites Ruan and Roy Williams.
The Principal, Ms Monicia Vanterpool, congratulated all the boys and girls graduating and declared, “It’s been a privilege and honour watching your progress. I’m so proud of the success you’ve made”.
The guest speaker, Ms Sarah Barrington, Managing Associate of Webster’s law firm, highlighted the importance of nurturing between the ages of 0 to 3. She referred to a study done that showed that 80% of brain cells that a person will ever have are manufactured during the first two years after birth. The researchers studied the brains of three year olds and found that brains of the nurtured three year olds were about twice the size of the brains of those neglected. They found that the growth of a baby’s brain literally requires positive interaction between mother and infant. Ms Barrington encouraged parents and carers to nurture and love the children in order for them to be all they were intended to be.
The evening concluded with the giving of awards not only to the graduating class, but also to deserving staff members and other individuals and persons in the business community who had been helpful to the school during the school year.
