VVPS STUDENTS GRADUATE WITH ENTHUSIASM

It was the third in the current series of 2020 primary schools graduations, as ten Grade Six students from the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School walked the aisle of the Faith Baptist Church on Tuesday morning, July 14th. The theme of this graduation ceremony was, “Persevere through Obstacles to Achieve Greatness.”

Following the singing of the National Song and the melodious School Song, prayer was rendered by Mr. Daryl Sponsper. Then the Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney, welcomed the attending dignitaries and paid recognition to the education officials and specific teachers, before addressing the audience and congratulating the graduates.
Turning to the Class of 2020, he made mention of the long journey that lies before them. He stated: Graduates, your education journey at VVPS started some seven years ago when you entered kindergarten. Now it ends at Grade 6. I wish I can tell you that this is the end of your education journey, but I cannot. This is just another transition along what will be another life- changing experience.”

He continued: “The theme of your graduation ceremony today is: ‘Persevere Through Obstacles to Achieve Greatness’. It is a theme that is both timely and fitting for the period in which we live. I had never imagined in my lifetime that I would have lived in the midst of a global pandemic — the likes of COVID-19. When I think of the obstacles that each of you have endured, in just the last three years, I thank God for the resilient spirit that he has placed in each of you.”
Mr. Romney mentioned that what got him excited was how well the Class had weathered the storms — and the opposing obstacles — persevering towards the successes that they had all achieved. “That in itself,” he said, “is cause for celebration.” In closing, he asked the audience to join him in applauding the diligent graduates.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Mr. Randy Isles, a Teacher at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. He called on the audience to join him in applauding the stellar efforts of the Class of 2020, and he complimented them for working assiduously over the course of what he termed an ‘exceptional year’.

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Mr. Isles literally shifted the podium in order to obtain a suitable vantage point so that he could look directly into the graduates’ faces as he addressed them. Then, with words of motivation and encouragement, he began: “Your graduation today should not be taken lightly for there are many boys and girls throughout the region and around the world, who would not be walking the aisle this year. So you have a lot to be thankful for.”
He went on: “The theme that was chosen for this exercise is a timely one. One of the most important lessons that you will need to learn, as you go forward, is to stand up and against whatever life throws at you as obstacles. You must persevere. Your journey on this ever-winding road of life will allow you to encounter many obstacles. But your own strength will demonstrate and prove your capability.”
Referring to a quote from Personal Development Trainer, Zig Ziglar, Mr. Isles noted: “Ziglar admonishes you that when obstacles arise, you, the graduating Class of 2020, must change your direction to reach your goal. However, never change your decision to get there. Each and every one of you must make a decision to persevere through all the obstacles that present themselves in order to achieve greatness. Learn to push through your greatest fears to achieve your wildest dreams…I extend heartiest congratulations to the Class of 2020, and I wish you well as you continue on this education journey.”
On hand at the ceremony, was the Hon. Premier, Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster. He had come primarily to issue the Valedictorian award and the Salutatorian award. As a patriotic member of his Island Harbour community, he proudly stood to represent his brother, Sam, who presents such awards annually. These awards this year were ceremoniously presented by the Premier to the Valedictorian, Ms. Nyla Jno Baptiste, and the Salutatorian, Ms. Tyjanique Sepersaud.
This set the stage for numerous awards to be presented to other graduates. Among them were: the Perseverance Award, the Delta Extra Mile Award, Susan Webster Sports Award (Female), Lanville Harrigan Sports Award (Male), Dedication to Sports Award (Male & Female) Tr. Kendra Brooks Award, and the Karl T. Smith Award. The Hon. Premier, Mr. Webster, also made presentations to Kia and Kiel Carty, the recipients of the Dedication in Sports Awards (Male & Female).
Although all the awards were of renowned significance, it is worth mentioning that, in line with community benevolence, and concern for the children, special awards were issued by Ms. Pam Webster, former Leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly. In addition, as a demonstration of his love for the community, Mr. Oris Smith, who had unsuccessfully contested the polls in the constituency during the recent general elections, made contributions of laptops for each graduate. In addition to her laptop, a printer was also presented to the Valedictorian and the Salutatorian received a laptop along with a tablet. All awards and presents were joyously received by the students.

It is also worth mentioning that the Teacher Kendra Brooks Awards were given in honour of Teacher Kendra who died tragically in 2001 while she was still a teacher at the VVPS. Teacher Tracelyn Hamilton, who presented the Awards, said: “Teacher Kendra Brooks served the Island Harbour community when she joined the staff at the Island Harbour Primary School, now the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School. She served at the school for her entire teaching career from 1988 to 2001.

“Teacher Kendra was a team player who started the school’s dance group and led the choir. She also spearheaded the graduation ceremonies. Besides, she assisted in preparing the school for the Prince and Princess Show up to the very day of her tragic death at sea, on July 25th 2001, hours after she had returned from the school working with the Prince and Princess participants.”

Teacher Kendra was passionate about creative writing and the performing arts. Her Awards for excellence in these areas were presented to Nyla Jno Baptiste, Tyjanique Sepersaud, Tasheki Adams — but there was another award presented in her honour to the student who exemplified the qualities of the acronym Kendra — Kindness, enthusiasm, neatness, determination, respect and assertiveness. This particular award was presented to Kia Carty.

In delivering her address, Valedictorian Nyla Jno Baptiste said: “ I am honored to stand before you this morning as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020. First, and foremost, I give thanks to God for His unceasing grace, guidance and mercies.

Turning to her peers, she continued: “Fellow graduates, here at the VVPS you have demonstrated a high degree of academic excellence, and we are grateful to benefit from what we have learnt. We have been exposed to new adventures, new friendships, and a new series of struggles. Now we have ended one chapter of our lives and a new one is soon to begin. With the things that we have learnt, we will keep on stepping towards the fulfillment of our dreams and aspirations.

“Over the last seven years, the most important thing we have learnt was that we must never give up. Building relationships and relying on each other have taught us how to work together and how to respect each other’s differences. We have learnt how much we need each other in order to succeed. We are indeed thankful for each other’s support. I hope we would continue to provide such support, and encourage each other in the future.”

Referring to the hindrances they experienced during the onslaught of COVID-19, she stated: “Throughout our years at primary school, we were presented with many challenges, and especially this year we have endured COVID-19. Because of this pandemic, we all experienced major setbacks in our work. We were trust into the unfamiliar world of e-leaning, but our teachers were always on our backs encouraging us to keep up with our studies…. We persevered through many obstacles and achieved greatness, and today is a testament of that.”

A stirring address was also given by Salutatorian, Tyjanique Sepersaud, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Tasheki Adams. As it was with the foregone graduations, the VVPS ceremony was covered and broadcasted live via the Department of Education’s Facebook page — Lloyd Gumbs was also on hand with live streaming.

• Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan