Thursday, 7th April, marked the graduation for the Anguilla Community College’s Class of 2022, when 35 students graduated under the theme “Overcoming Obstacles – Celebrating Gains”. The ceremony was held at the Pro Cathedral of St. Mary in The Valley.
The Prayer of Invocation was offered by Rev. Wilmoth Hodge of the Methodist Church, and faculty member Carl Whyte, introduced the Chairlady, Mrs. Jade Raymond-Richardson. She observed: “This graduation ceremony hallmarks the achievements of students who took courses in various programmes such as business, construction, teaching, creative media, and tourism.”
“The theme, ‘Overcoming Obstacles – Celebrating Gains” was carefully selected earlier this year,” she noted. “I find that it is quite fitting, given that the students had to overcome many obstacles and challenges, particularly over the last two years.”
The Honourable Deputy Governor, Mr. Perin Bradley, delivered congratulatory remarks to the graduands: “I congratulate the Anguilla Community College’s Class of 2022 on this graduation. It is truly a testament to the spirit of determination and sure effort to achieve this milestone…This achievement is also a reflection of your families and extended support structures, so they should be commended as well.”
“Please use your newly acquired knowledge and talents to serve Anguilla, and to assist in moving this country forward,” he appealed. “Apart from congratulating the graduands, I would also like to congratulate the Board, the President, and the faculty of the ACC for, as a former lecturer at the institute, I know firsthand the level of dedication that goes into preparing students for an event such as this…So, once again I congratulate all of you on your efforts. ”
Next to offer congratulatory remarks was the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster. He applauded the graduands for their befitting theme and alluded to a famous adage, by Lao Tzu, which goes: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”. The things we want are rarely handed to us on a platter. There are challenges to overcome, and milestones to be celebrated. So, on behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, I congratulate the Anguilla Community College’s Class of 2022 for a job well done.
“You have endured and overcome challenges through perseverance and hard work. Perseverance separates success from disappointment. Great things only come to those who have persevered against the odds, and dare to get beyond the challenges and obstacles.
“The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory; the more difficult the challenges, the more cherished the gains…I admonish you to celebrate your success and continue to rise to your full potential. May God bless you in your future endeavours, and may God continue to bless the ACC.”
The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dr. Ronald Harrigan, also gave remarks. In part, he said: “I wish to extend congratulations to not only the graduands, but also to their families, loved ones who supported you throughout your journey – as you pursue this endeavour under what might have sometimes been difficult circumstances…
“We, as Board members, are working diligently to improve the learning conditions at the ACC for all Anguillians – for yourself and those who would come after you. We are aware of our shortcomings, in terms of instructional space, and ancillary facilities. However, we trust that our five year plan would come to fruition and remedy such situations, so that those who would follow you would be better accommodated…
“I am sure that by your example here today, you would be able to show younger Anguillians that, yes, there is a local institution here where a tertiary education can be pursued… So I congratulate you for achieving this milestone. We are here to work with you and to make sure that those who would follow you will achieve even greater heights in education.”
A special song, “The Impossible Dream”, by Zhanae and Azara Carter, followed. Canon Reid Simon then rendered the Keynote Address. He admitted that though he had prepared a script to speak from, he had laid it aside because he felt that there was a pressing need for him to speak on “The Challenge to Fight On”. In line with that theme, he reminded the graduands that challenges will not cease. They will constantly come, but if they are able to conquer their fears and anxieties and fight on, then the sky will always be the limit to what they can achieve.
“I want to challenge you to look within and see what is possible,” he said. “Know that there is nothing that can prevent you from achieving what you want to achieve in life. If you persevere and devote the time to your work then somewhere down the road you can say, ‘I have come this far by faith.”’
“I know the road had been rough,” he said, “but I know that your success is sweet. And you have a God to thank. He has blessed you in innumerable ways. You have not been able to do this on your own, but you must know that it is God who has blessed you.”
Certificates and several awards were issued and applause was given to those who had performed exceptionally well. Apart from the graduands, special mention was made of the work of select members of faculty. Ms. Shekera George was awarded for going “above and beyond” her call of duty as a lecturer. In addition, Ms. Anuska White, who has worked in the capacity of lecturer and Director of Business Studies, was recognised for her eight-year stint of dedicated service to the ACC.
The Dean of the ACC, Ms. Michelle Queeley, said of Ms. White: “She executed her job with much dedication, enthusiasm, and efficiency, and she has always had the students’ success at heart.” Ms. White has now ended her service at the ACC, and was recognised with an award for the quality of her stellar performance on the job.
President of the institute, Dr. Kenneth Williams, was absent from the ceremony, as he was on assignment overseas. He sent his congratulatory remarks which were read by the Dean of Studies, Ms. Queeley.
Ms. Darnel Lake of the Business Division was delegated to deliver a Graduate’s Reflection and, at the end of the ceremony, the Vote of Thanks was delivered by graduand, Ms. Amya Woodley.
