Scores of children across Anguilla, their parents and teachers, are still hyped up after the 10th Annual Primary School Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 17 at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium.
The grades 3-6 students were awarded for outstanding performances in Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Sports, Music and the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment examinations conducted in the various primary schools. In addition, a number of students received the Patricia J. Adams Literary Award and the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC) Achievement Award.
The students represented the Valley Primary, Orealia Kelly, Morris Vanterpool, Vivien Vanterpool, Adrian T. Hazell and Alwyn Allison schools run by the Government of Anguilla; and the two privately-run schools – Central Christian and Omolulu International Institute. It is ten years now that ANCLEC has been sponsoring the award ceremony.
Permanent Secretary, Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty-Barrett, said in part: “It is always a pleasure to be part of the Primary School Awards Ceremony of the achievement of our students, and applaud the efforts of our teachers, parents and all others who would have contributed to their success. Students, the fact that you are here means that you have worked hard and your hard work has paid off. The TV time that you sacrificed, the play time that you gave up, the extra efforts that your parents and teachers made you put in – even when you did not want to – were all worth it. We are proud of you and you ought to be proud of yourselves. While we celebrate you, we also acknowledge the accomplishments of those students who, though not being awarded, have performed to their best abilities in the various areas of the curriculum.
“The Ministry and the Department of Education value all students and recognise that while there are many who will not cross the stage tonight, they are successful in their own right. However, you who are here must remember that you are role models for other students. You are examples of what can be accomplished when you set goals and focus on working towards them. Be leaders and encourage those around you to strive for excellence just as you have. Continue to set new goals for yourselves so that, in years to come, you will give us even more reason to celebrate.”
Mrs. Petty Barrett continued: “I must commend the Department of Education for once again hosting this national awards ceremony. This is a tangible demonstration of the department’s insistence on high standards of performance by our students, and the importance of awarding that performance. Additionally, I thank our corporate sponsor – ANGLEC – an exemplary partner in education. We gratefully appreciate your unwavering commitment and contribution, over the years, to ensure that this ceremony is special for all the students. I assure you of the Ministry’s gratitude for your outstanding contribution.”
General Manager of ANGLEC, Mr. David Gumbs, said that in sponsoring the award ceremony, over the past ten years, the company had helped to support the future of students, ANGLEC and Anguilla. “This is a significant event in your life,” he told the awardees. “You have worked hard, were focussed throughout the year, and disciplined yourself to make sure that you get the marks and grades that were necessary to be awarded.”
He continued: “I believe the more our young people accomplish their goals, the better Anguilla will accomplish its goals for the future. That’s why ANGLEC is so proud of this collaboration. As the sponsor of the awards ceremony, for the past ten years, it has been an honour for ANLEC to assist in the growth and development of students, the education system, and our nation. ANGLEC and its Board have given a total of 1,083 awards to students over the past ten years.
“We would like to thank all the students, parents, teachers and other companies for doing so much to improve our community over the years. I would also like to thank the Board of ANGLEC for its continued support, the Management and Staff who invest countless hours in making contributions to their community; and our customers who have supported the company’s growth and development over the past 25 years.”
Mr. Gumbs added that he was proud that ANGLEC was assisting students to fulfil their dreams and pointed out that, among the various professions, there was a need for engineers in Anguilla. “We at ANGLEC depend heavily on engineering skills. I want to encourage you, our students, to set your goals high. Be an engineer, we need you,” he advised them.
The feature address was delivered by Miss Nandi Edwards, the 2015 Most Outstanding Grade 6 Student. “Behind this glamorous celebration are years of sacrifice and diligence, even falls and bumps experienced by you, your teachers and your family,” she advised the students. “Always remember and reflect that you could not have arrived here alone. Take a moment to celebrate those persons who made sacrifices themselves and went the extra mile to help you arrive at this milestone of celebration. Let us celebrate the teachers who have inspired and empowered you and have given you the tools to succeed. Let us celebrate your families who have supported you in this journey of learning, and who had been there for you when you needed them most.”
The impressive young speaker further advised the students: “Hone in on your special passions and talents to see how you can make a positive impact in your corner of the world. You may ask: what can I do at my age to make a difference? You can do plenty. It may be that you can speak out against bullying of a classmate who is a little different. It may be that you take time to lend a hand to a classmate who doesn’t understand a concept. It may be that you form a study group to pool your talents to do research, share new ideas and help each other grow. Stay close to the little things that make you stand out. Remember, there is no one giant step that does it. Success comes from a lot of little steps, a lot of positive habits. Nurture good habits so that they become a way of life and your hallmark of success.”
The awards ceremony was ably chaired by Mr. David Christmas, a multi-faceted religious and community leader in Anguilla. As a young people’s motivator, he spoke highly about the event and its positive impact on the primary school students.
The programme included performances by the Concert Band, Steel Orchestra and ‘Monday Mix’ of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School; students of Omolulu International Institute and The Valley Primary School, and a selection by the awardees.
