Mrs Jasmine Hodge- Thomas
Sixty yellow-gowned, tasseled-hat Graduates filed into the Rodney Rey Auditorium on Wednesday 1 July, to take their place of honour, as the 2015 graduating class of The Valley Primary School. Excitement was high as the auditorium quickly filled with proud parents, family and well-wishers.
The welcome remarks were given by a parent, Mr Romare Kelsick (who looked like he was hosting the Grammy Awards). He highlighted the theme ‘Aspire and Persevere to Conquer’. He encouraged the graduating class to aspire to that which is good, honest, wholesome, and of positive value. He further challenged them to do away with negative thinking that would destroy their aspirations: “Anguilla is not East! Anguilla is not West! There is only one Anguilla!”
Mr Travis Carty, the Keynote Speaker, reminded them that: “You are now on the threshold of great change. As you progress in life I want you to remember the ABC: Aspire – Believe – Conquer. The future belongs to those who believe. Remember almost is never enough. Good can be great, and great can be excellent.”
The winsome Valedictorian, Mr Jaivani Carty, with his charming smile and thought provoking words, encouraged his peers to never give up. He proceeded to give them some tips to succeed: “We are sure to conquer if we ignore the ignorant, avoid negative relationships, listen to good advice and associate ourselves with positive people. Remember in whatever you do – do it with excellence.”
The Principal, Jasmine Hodge-Thomas, was justifiably proud of the graduating class. She concluded that the, “Valley Primary School has just sent off a very talented and intelligent set of children, and I wish them the very best.”
The evening ended on a high note as the graduants triumphantly marched out to the beat of the drum band consisting entirely of a group from the graduating class.
