There were 69 students in the Sixth Form Class of 2019 but the programme for the graduation on Thursday, June 20, showed that eight of them did not meet the criteria to graduate. Yet, at 61, it was the largest graduating class in the history of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
The large number of graduates drew the attention of the keynote speaker, Mr. Jose Vanterpool, who distinguished himself as the Island’s 2012 scholar and holds a Master of Engineering degree in Computer Science with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol. He is the youngest member of the Anguilla House of Assembly serving as First Nominated Member and Deputy Speaker.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in the Campus B Quadrangle, Mr. Vanterpool observed: “This class not only has the most male graduates but also has the most Sixth Form graduates ever in the history of the ALHCS. Congratulations to all of you – not only for making it through Sixth Form but for also making it to graduation.”
Mr. Vanterpool told the graduates that they were now faced with what their next step would be – a matter entirely up to them. He advised those who intend to study abroad that on their return to Anguilla they might not find the jobs they require, but they should seek to identify creative ways in which to use their skills. “Anguilla is lacking in certain areas, but each of the things you identify may be an opportunity to create your own jobs, and your own businesses, and enrich what our island has to offer,” he told the graduating students.
The Computer Engineer, who is employed at Malliouhana-Auberge Resort, and is also involved in other private sector work, advised those who are anxious to enter the world of work not to become satisfied in their places of employment. “Always try to be a better you… so that even without a degree no one can ever question your skills,” he advised them.
Additional advice was given to the graduating class by Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Ministerial Assistant in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Education. Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge, Mrs. Bradley said in part: “The same things you had to do in school to be here at this graduation ceremony, you have to do in your daily lives to achieve success. You have to continue to work hard; be committed to excellence; be disciplined, courteous and respectful and, most of all, remain focus.”
Mrs. Bradley took the opportunity to commend parents, teachers and counsellors for their work which enabled the students to do well in school and to graduate successfully.
The Principal of the School, Mrs. Rita Celestine Carty, joined in congratulating the Sixth Form graduates for their commitment to their studies and for their achievements. She advised them to continue to follow the list of virtues they were exposed to at the school. “I seize this one last opportunity to emphasise the value of the virtue of respect – respect for God, yourself, for others and for the physical and social environments that you are a part of,” she stated. “Always ensure that your enjoyment of rights and privileges never impedes on the rights of others to enjoy theirs.”
The Principal added: “Class of 2019, you have exhausted all that the ALHCS has to offer you. Please do not forget to look back, give thanks and then give back.”
She was grateful to the former Principal, Mrs. Joyce Webster-Stuart, under whose leadership the Sixth Form Class of 2019 had started its graduation journey at the school.
Other persons who participated in the graduation ceremony were Mr. Timothy Hodge, Director of Social Security, who delivered the Invocation and Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, Chairperson. The presentation of Certificates and Awards was performed by the Principal assisted by Teachers Worrell Brooks and Mr. S. Webster.
The theme of the ceremony was “Blazing Trails to Enlightenment”.
