The form 5 students at ALHCS attended a session at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church geared to inspire and motivate them for the new school year. The session was moderated by Ms. Michelle Queeley who invited Mr. David Christmas and Mr. Paul Petty to share their experiences and wisdom to the students.
Mr. Christmas spoke in relation to with issues involving teens such as relationships, education, and self-esteem. He related these topics to Biblical scriptures in order to provide a clearer understanding and to show how the Bible can be applied to their lives. He asked the students to ponder such questions as: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? His words were delivered with a comedic relief which spun interest among the students. He also prayed for them and the tutors.
The students were given the opportunity to have an understanding of the reality of prison from a former inmate; Mr. Paul Petty who had been in prison for 21 years. He told the students that the idea of the Prison being a ‘Green Hotel’ is false. He explained that there are constants fights and the procedures inmates have to go through before leaving the facilities. He spoke about the repercussions of being in prison and the impact on family, friends and most importantly life. He pleaded with students to run from trouble and keep focus on their school work. “The years I have lost, I cannot catch up with but I strive to keep moving forward,” he stated. He hoped that his story will impact
Ms. Queeley hoped that the students gathered key points of wisdom from the session that can be applied both at home and at school. The session ended on this final note “Opportunities Lost Can Never be Remade.”
