The Vivien Vanterpool Primary School, Home of the Green Gathers, held its graduation ceremony on the morning of 28th June, as thirteen graduands, uniquely accompanied by their dads, proudly strutted along the aisle of the First Baptist Church in Welches.
It was the fourth primary school “Class of 2022” graduation in a series of six ceremonies, and was held under the theme: “Overcoming Obstacles with a Positive Mindset”.
After Teacher Gordon Hazel had played the national song on the piano, prayer was offered by Elder Keith Smith.
The school choir then gleefully sang the school song, and Deputy Principal, Jamesha Gardener-Webster. She cordially welcomed all in attendance: “To the teachers and parents, I wish to commend you for your commitment and perseverance. Your dedication to the tasks of supporting these students has, indeed, yielded great success. Congratulations!”
To the gaduands she said: “I am very proud of you. For the last three years you were faced with uncertainty and obstacles. During this period you have grown and adopted to these challenging times which have caused you to develop and added to your success. Today, you are graduating. Congratulations!”
The keynote address was delivered by Pastor Phillip Gumbs. He spoke to the graduands in gentle but pervasive tones. His was a motivational kind of speech, in which he encouraged the students to persevere against all odds in their educational quest. Referring to their theme, he told them:
“You already have shown that you know how to overcome obstacles through the right mindset. You stayed in class and you are graduating because you have applied the right mindset. Some got carried away. They did not stick with it. They wanted to be a part of other things, but you have put up a good fight, and you have persevered.”
He encouraged the graduands to go through life with a high degree of determination and purpose and to fight against the odds.
Certificates were issued, and special awards were presented to those students who performed exceptionally well. Among the awards were the Delta Petroleum Award, the Otyhlyn Vanterpool ITC Award, the Teacher Kendra Award, the Teacher Patsy Adams Award, and awards from Sam Webster which were presented by his brother, the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis L. Webster. Community resident, Mr. Orris Smith, also presented a laptop computer to all thirteen graduands, as well as to their Grade Six teacher.
The Valedictorian was Miss Jaequoya Hughes and the Salutatorian was Master K’yaun Hodge-Rogers. The Valedictorian made a remarkable speech. She spoke of her own obstacles throughout her schooling, but she commended herself for the positive mindset that she displayed her challenges. She faced many acute challenges, she is someone who suffers from anemia.
An inspiring song was sung by Island Harbour resident Ishalyn Hughes, accompanied by Barbara Simmonds.
At the end of the ceremony, a poetic Vote of Thanks was given by the Salutatorian, K’yaun Hodge-Rogers.
