The Ministry and Department of Education have again, for the second year, shown their appreciation and gratitude to educators – at the Government-run schools in recognition of their challenging work and contribution – by honouring seven outstanding teachers. The colourful event was held at Flavours Restaurant, La Vue Boutique Hotel, on Saturday night, November 7.
The teachers were awarded with plaques which were presented to them by Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education. She was assisted by Mrs. Rhonda Connor, Chief Education Officer.
The honourees were: Ms. Desiree Richardson, a Grade Six Graduate Teacher at The Valley Primary School, holder of a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Accounting; Ms. Bonetta Lashley, a Grade Two Certified Teacher at the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School, who holds an Associate Degree in Primary Education from the University of the West Indies; Mrs. Malica Smith-Connor, a Certified Teacher at the Orealia Kelly Primary School; Mrs. Hamewatie Narine, a Grade Two Certified Teacher at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Management; Mrs. Olivia Lake, Deputy Principal at the Alwyn Allison Primary School and Literacy Coordinator, who holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English from Liberty University in Virginia; Ms. Itasha Webster of the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, who holds an Associate’s Degree in Primary Education and is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies; and Mr. Colin Johnson, the longest serving of the seven teachers with a teaching career of 34 years. He teaches French and Spanish to students from Form One to Six Form at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. He is also House Master of Yellow House, Coordinator of the New Young Progressive Debating Club, and the Leader of the Language Club – both at Campus B. He is the Founder and Coordinator of All-ah-We Young Theatre Players and serves as Technical Director of the Anguilla Football Association.
Deputy Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid, told the large assembly of teachers that the majority of them must be accorded praise for striving hard to ensure that the children, whose lives they touch, “are equipped to positively affect the development of our island home.”
He continued: “I offer you my highest commendations and implore you to continue to give of yourselves to secure the fate of Anguilla. Your just reward will never be monetary. It will be that moment when you hear a former student accord his or her success to something you regularly said; it will be that moment when you see that child who was the bane of your existence cross the stage to receive his various awards to the cheers of his or her classmates; it will be that moment when you visit the doctor’s office and your former student ushers you into his or her office and attends to your medical care; it will be that Sunday when you are desperately in need of a plumber, and you call the plumber and upon hearing your voice he responds – ‘Anything for you Teach. I’ll be right there.’ It is at these moments when the true value of your daily work will be realised.”
Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Minister of Home Affairs, spoke on behalf of Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, Minister of Social Development, who was off-island at the time. She commended “the Ministry and Department of Education for celebrating teachers in this tangible way” and extended heartiest congratulations to the awarded educators. “The fact that you have been selected means that your school and the community it serves regard you as exemplary teachers whose practice, attitude, passion and professionalism make you deserving of bearing the title Teacher of the Year.”
The Minister exhorted the celebrated teachers to maintain or exceed their standards; to be role models for other teachers; and to be ambassadors for the teaching profession.
Speaking on behalf of her ministerial colleagues, she added: “As a Government, we recognise that it is upon your shoulders, and those of parents, that the future of our country rests, and we truly value your contribution to nation-building. Thanks to all of you for your commitment to bringing out the best in our children.”
Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Rhonda Connor, and former Education Officer and Chairman of the Award Select Committee, Mr. Charles Connor, joined in congratulating the recognised teachers and thanking them for their contributions.
The award ceremony included a dinner and entertainment by Boss and his Horsepower Band.
