Two weeks ago, The Anguillian featured the graduation ceremonies of five of the six public primary schools. The Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School was not among that lot due to circumstances beyond our control. We have since obtained pertinent information of that school’s graduation, under the theme “Rise Above it All”, and here we present the proceedings:
It was on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 29th, that 19 students of the Class of 2021 proudly walked the aisle to the tune of Yolanda Adams’ “Still I Rise”. After a harmonious accapella rendition of the Anguilla National Song by three music teachers, Gordon Hazel, Shermel Archibald and Elson Richardson, the School Song was sung by a student of Grade 4, Azharia Gumbs.
A fervent prayer of invocation and thanksgiving was offered by Teacher Kylah Gumbs in which she made mention of the resilience of the graduation class amidst the stresses of the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic.
Teacher Sharifa Rouse, after welcoming the dignitaries, special guests and visitors, then addressed the graduands: “Class of 2021, you were my first class. You were my babies. This day is about you and what you have achieved — through hard work and determination. Your graduation is a time to imagine your future in the world to come. When you think of the road ahead, you may gain perspective from looking back at where you came from. And, as your theme suggests, I would encourage you to ‘rise above it all’.
“You have had to rise above the challenges that you have faced over the past seven years, and particularly over the past two years as a result of the two separate pandemic lockdowns. You have had to accept the hard times and press forward to ensure your deadlines were met. Many of you even went above and beyond, not only to meet your deadlines, but to give it your best. I do hope you will take this hurdle as a lesson for what you can achieve when you put your mind to it, no matter what the circumstance might be.”
As a special feature, Mrs. Heidi Hughey, a retired reading and science teacher, residing in Boston, Massachusetts, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. She had been visiting Anguilla for the past fifteen years as a tourist, and during her vacation she had been assisting at the school as a support teacher. Her work at the Alwyn Allison Primary had particularly impacted the class of 2021.
Mrs. Hughey gave her address via live video feed. She was introduced by Teacher Chrishauna Hughes who mentioned: “In 2018, Mrs. Hughey volunteered her services to this Class, and she worked closely with these students. Working with the Class of 2021 has kept Mrs. Hughey engaged in education since her retirement…”
Mrs. Hughey then began: “Good afternoon, teachers, parents family and friends and, most importantly, the Class of 2021. It is an honour for me to be here today, being a part of this celebration. However, I am rather sad that I cannot be with you in person.”
After giving a brief history as to how she became attached to the school, and after delivering a progressive account of her affiliation with the students over the years, Mrs. Hughey continued with a note of encouragement: “As Booker T. Washington once said, ‘We all should rise above the cloud of ignorance, narrowness and selfishness.”’
“Let us not forget our teachers,” she continued. “They rise above it all everyday — all day. Teachers are not always appreciated. Their efforts are sometimes gone unseen… A simple thank you to a teacher goes a long way. So today I say thank you teachers for all you have risen above to give the Class of 2021 an exceptional education.” She then summoned the Class to repeat after her a hearty “thank you” to the teachers.
Then, turning her attention to the parents she said: “Being a parent is the most rewarding and challenging endeavour you will ever experience. Everyday you rise above the many obstacles you face, and you give your heart and soul for the good of your children on so many levels. But this, too, can be another thankless job.” She likewise summoned the Class to say a hearty “thank you” to parents, in an expression of love and appreciation.
Next, Mrs. Hughey turned directly to the graduands and said: “Class of 2021, you have grown so much, and you have achieved so much as well. You have risen above many discomforts, disruptions and distractions with understanding and patience.
“Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.’ You have done that hands down. So, I encourage you to reach for the stars in all you attempt to do in life.
“Class of 2021, I will hold my memories of you tight in my heart. I hope I will see you again, and I hope to hear of all your future accomplishments. I wish you all much success in whatever you will pursue. It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said, ‘An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.’ Again, thank you Class of 2021, and Congratulations!”
Following the distribution of awards and a song by the school choir entitled “I Rise”, Emily Williams was recognised as the Valedictorian, and she made a stirring speech:
“It has been an impeccable journey during these seven years in primary school,” she said. She then gave a summary of the rewarding environments of each class, from kindergarten to Grade five, focusing on the fond memories which she holds dear for each grade. With regard to Grade six, she stressed: “This year was the most challenging year because there was a Covid cluster. It was hard for the class. I found myself under a lot of stress because at one point my CPEA folder was not completed and I still had exams to do.
“My mom and I would be awake late at nights so that I could finish my assignments. Zoom meetings were held every other day, and they were never boring because of our teacher’s smiles and laughter. However, she would get serious whenever someone said something negative.” Then turning to her teacher, she said, “Teacher Al, thank you for teaching us to always be positive and never to give up.”
“To all teachers, thank you for your support. To our parents, thank you for supporting us as well. I wish to say a special thanks to my family for supporting me. Thanks especially to my parents and my siblings.” Then, to her fellow graduands she said: “Classmates, keep on pushing hard to meet your goals. I know you can do it…”
After the choir sang another song, “Rise”, the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Tjivari Leveret Fransisca, the Class’ Salutatorian.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
