For the past fifteen years, Anguilla’s public utilities company, ANGLEC, has been the sole sponsor of the National Primary School Awards ceremony. On Thursday, November 18th, history was made when the 15th awards event was held at the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, in The Valley. The theme of the evening’s ceremony was “Achieving Milestones, One Step at a Time”.
The awards ceremony recognises the academic and sporting accomplishments of high-achieving students of the island’s public and private primary schools, in light of their performance in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) examinations. Traditionally, over the past decade, the Department of Education, in collaboration with ANGLEC, has been awarding Certificates of Achievement to successful students of the Test of Standards exams.
However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the local Test of Standards assessments have had to be shelved. Thus, the initiative was taken to use the results of the CPEA, where students attaining 80% and above would be honoured with certificates and special awards. Additionally, those students achieving scores of 50% to 79%, in one or more subject areas, were also recognised with certificates.
Thursday’s ceremony began with prayer offered by Rev. Candis Niles. Welcome remarks were made by Ms. Lancer Celestine, Primary Years Coordinator of the Omomlolu International Institute. In commending ANGLEC for its consistent dedication, Ms. Celestine said: “We are here this evening to celebrate our children’s accomplishments in education, arts and recreational sports during the academic year, 2020/2021. Exactly fifteen years ago, the Anguilla Electricity Company, ANGLEC, took the decision to collaborate with the Department of Education to sponsor the annual Primary School Awards ceremony on an ongoing basis. ANGLEC has remained true to its pledge to fully sponsor this event, despite the economic challenges of recent years.” She then summoned the audience to join her with a round of applause for ANGLEC’s commitment. (Audience applauded.)
Ms. Celestine then introduced the Chairperson, Principal of the Adrian T. Hazel Primary School, Ms. Tiffany Thomas, who, in turn, introduced Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney. Mr. Romney stated in part: “First, I would like to congratulate our students on their outstanding performance over the course of the last academic year. I am always impressed by the resilience of our children,” he said. “No generation past has weathered so many storms in such as a short period of time, and irrespective of the challenges, they continue to push on, one step at a time.”
Speaking directly to the achievers, he encouraged: “Continue to take each step forward with purpose and determination. If you do that, no task would seem impossible, and no dream would be unreachable.”
He continued: “The Department of Education would like to take this opportunity to express that we are eternally grateful to ANGLEC for being our platinum sponsor. For the past fifteen years, this company has shown us unwavering support. Words cannot fully capture our gratitude. Thank You, ANGLEC.”
The Honourable Minster of Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish Rogers, ceremoniously commended the awardees and thanked all the individuals and groups involved in the ceremony: “I am really pleased to share with you in this moment this evening…I want to give my thanks to the parents, teachers, and the students for achieving this milestone. I would then move my appreciation over to the Assessment Measurement and Testing division of the Department of Education.”
She went on: “And, of course, I wish to thank our platinum sponsor, ANGLEC for their committed service to the children of Anguilla. This is indeed a momentous occasion for us to show our appreciation, and I would like us once again to give another round of applause to ANGLEC for these fifteen years.” (Audience applauded.)
Music for the occasion was provided by Michael “Dumpa” Martin’s Pan Ensemble. Following their rendition of Mozart’s Turkist Rondo, ANGLEC’s Administrative Assistant, Ms. Vanisha Hodge, gave a brief address, stating in part: “It is with great honour and pride that I stand here this evening to give brief remarks on behalf of the Anguilla Electricity Company.
“This year’s theme is ‘Achieving Milestones, One Step at a Time’, and that is what each one of you has been doing. Over these past two years, there have been nothing short of obstacles on your journey — from surviving a pandemic to adjusting to a new learning environment. Yet, each of you persevered.
“It took drive to get started, motivation to keep stepping forward, and discipline to achieve your milestones. These characteristics we implore you to develop, as they will continue to take you forward in each stage of your lives. Set a goal, make a plan, and take the necessary steps to accomplish that goal. Big or small, this is your journey, and ANGLEC is proud to be a part of it.”
The most outstanding student was thirteen-year-old Warren Buddle Jr., who originally hails from the Adrian T. Hazel Primary School. He was the recipient of several awards, including that of the valedictorian of the Class of 2020. In addition, he achieved the ANGLEC Eagle Award, in Grades 5 and Grades 6, an award which is bestowed upon the top student of each year.
Mr. Buddle gave the ceremony’s feature address in which he congratulated his fellow awardees for “achieving such an amazing feat.” He said to his peers: “Our theme is great, and it is pertinent for our educational journey. This evening, I urge you students to consider this phase of your life as another milestone achieved in your educational process. Overall, it is important to set goals. Milestones tell us whether we are on the path to successfully achieving our goals…
“The achievements of our milestones may not always be an easy task, it would require discipline and focus. One has to be disciplined with the time and effort invested in achieving their milestones. One has to be determined to persevere…As Jesmyn Ward once said, ‘real success requires step after step, after step after step.’”
Some 185 students, from the island’s nine primary schools, were listed for Certificates of Achievement. They all accomplished a 50% or higher grade on the 2021 CPEA exams. However, special recognition was given to those students who attained scores of 80% or more.
Overall, Timothy Monsanto of the Adrian T. Hazel Primary School achieved 1st place honours in the CPEA exams; in 2nd place was Siena Wojack of the Omololu International School; in 3rd position was Zariah Roach of Valley Primary; in 4th position was Jevonte Reese, also of Valley Primary; and in 5th place was Jamyoi Hodge of Guishard’s Academy. The prestigious Patricia Adams Literacy Award went to both Zariah Roach and Siena Wojack, and the coveted ANGLEC Achievement Award was won by first-place achiever, Timothy Monsanto.
