The Morris Vanterpool Primary School at East End is the third primary school in Anguilla, so far, to have an elected Student Council inclusive of Class Representatives.
The school has joined the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School and the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in establishing its student body under the aegis of the Child Friendly Programme.
Speaking at the installation ceremony at the Morris Vanterpool School on Friday, November 20, Team Leader of the Child Friendly Committee, Teacher Wreneth Brooks, said in part: “I congratulate all the members of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School’s Student Council and wish you all the best for the remainder of the school year. You have taken on a very important leadership role and, as such, you have to set an example for the entire student body. You have a voice and a contribution to make and, as members of the Student Council, you will be given the opportunity to express your views on issues [affecting] the school. It is equally important that you are listened to and [allowed] to play an active part in promoting the aims and objectives of the Morris Vanterpool School.”
Ms. Marejah Smith, Leader of the Opposition in the National Youth Parliament, stressed the importance of the Student Council. “You are the voice of the representation of the school. This is a great responsibility and I am proud that you have taken the first step in putting yourself forward as leaders,” she stated.
Ms. Smith, a young Barrister-at-Law, also emphasised that leadership and learning go hand in hand, and that failure will never overtake the students if their determination to succeed is strong enough to want to succeed.
The executive members of the Student Council are: Alysaa Simon, President; Shaelen Hughes-Hodge, Vice President; Louis Guinto, Secretary; Omar Hodge, Treasurer; and Melania Mathew, Public Relations Officer. And the Class Representatives are: Logan Roydon, Kindergarten; Marlon Halley, Grade 1; Mickaylia Mussington, Grade 2; Khorey Barrett, Grade 3; Sapphire Laudat, Grade 4; Jahzara Hughes, Grade 5; and Khaleel Barrett, Grade 6.
The Oaths of Office were administered by Mr. Clemvio Hodge, Chief Minister of the National Youth Parliament. He took the opportunity to congratulate the members of the student body and told them about the importance of youth leadership.
Alyssa Simon, President of the Student Council, pledged to work with her team to represent the school where the motto is ‘Never Say Fail’. She also promised to take into account the ideas and interests of the Council, and the student body on a whole, on all matters affecting them and the school.
Pastor Trent Berg, of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who works with students regularly, delivered the invocation during the installation ceremony.
