The expansive and recently-refurbished Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium was crowded to capacity by 144 graduating Form 5 students from the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, their teachers, parents, guardians and other members of the public who went to witness the grand occasion.
The graduation ceremony, on Tuesday evening, October 22, was perhaps the largest in recent times. It was headlined by the entry of an impressive parade of the flag-bearing paramilitary Cadet Corps and the colourful and orderly procession of the graduating class of 2019. The theme of the event, a creation of the students, was “Raising Our Youth As Leaders”.
The Chairman of the ceremony was an alumnus of the Comprehensive School, Mr. José Vanterpool, an Island Scholar, who holds a Master of Engineering Degree in Computer Science with First Class Honours from the University of Bristol. He is the First Nominated Member and Deputy Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly and, among other busy private sector industrial activities, he is the Information Technology Manager at Malliouhana-Auberge Resort. A
young man, himself, he took the opportunity to congratulate the graduating students for their hard work and encouraged them to do well in their future endeavours.
Congratulatory remarks were also delivered by Minister of Education, Mrs. Cora Richardson-Hodge. She told the students in part: “It is a day of pride, not only for the graduands but for parents and guardians, other family members, teachers and all those persons who have supported these children on their journey through secondary school. Yet, for some, it signals the severing of ties with this school and their release into the world to find their way. Wherever your paths may take you, I hope that you will remember the values that you were taught here at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.”
The Minister continued: “Your theme for this ceremony highlights the aspirations that this school has for you, and that you have for yourselves. It speaks to youth leadership and nothing can be more appropriate for a time such as this. When you exit this hall, in order to survive in this competitive world, you must be a leader.”
The Keynote Speaker, whom Mr. Vanterpool was delighted to welcome as another accomplished young person, was Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers. An impressive graduate of the Comprehensive School, she is a United Kingdom-trained Barrister-at-Law focusing on Mediation, Civil Litigation and Judicial Review. She was called to the Bar of England and Wales. She is a former athlete, Miss Anguilla 2017/2018 and Miss Universe Great Britain 2018.
Her keynote address focused on three main areas – firstly, “re-programme perfection: you do not need to be perfect to lead; secondly, respect the voice of young people: your voice is important; and thirdly, re-shape the way you see young people: you are worthy.”
The presentation of certificates and awards was done by the Principal, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, assisted by members of her teaching staff. She congratulated the students on their performance and for creating the theme of the graduation ceremony. She was also grateful to the teachers, parents, guardians and other members of the public for their support; and was particularly thankful to the sponsors who provided gifts for the graduating students.
The Valedictory Address was delivered by Briana Battick, one of the many graduates who received awards and gifts.
The graduation ceremony was punctuated by performances by the ALHCS Concert Band, led by Mr. Lennox Vanterpool; the ALHCS Choir led by Mrs. Kimba Southwell; and the ALHCS Steel Orchestra led by Mr. Michael Martin.
