The Sixth Form students of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School did it once again, this time under the theme: “Embracing the Possibilities: A Renewed Vision for the Future”.
On the balmy afternoon of Monday, October 26th, some 65 proud graduates, comprising the Class of 2020, marched through the center aisle of the Rodney McArthur Rey Auditorium to the beat of Robert Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly”. Later, they would make their way on stage, one by one, to be recognised for their painstaking achievements despite the interruptions brought on by COVID-19.
Chairing the ceremony was Mr. Joseph Pradel, who was introduced by Pastor Rondy Isles-Carty, after Mr. Leonard Telemaque offered the opening prayer. Following prayer, a selected group of graduates sang the School Song, “My Eyes Have Seen the Vision”. Graduating student, Tyree Peters, backed up by the school’s concert band, then sang a remarkable jazz piece entitled “Feeling Good”. His performance was reflective of the joyous spirit of the graduates.
A brief address was presented by the Hon. Minister of Social Development and Education, Ms. DeeAnn Kentish-Rogers. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Olufunmike Banks-Devonish, and the school’s Principal, Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty delivered a congratulatory message.
Beginning her presentation to the graduates, Ms. Kentish-Rogers remarked: “Today, you are proof that despite the circumstances of 2020, the year still has something ‘great’ left in it.” She continued: “You have worked hard, you have sacrificed much, and you have laughed a lot. You have connected with your friends and your teachers deeply. No doubt you have wondered, with stars in your eyes, what the next few years would bring. Today, you are graduating in what is possibly the most challenging period for employment since the global financial crisis.”
“In many ways,” the Minister went on, “you are expected to slot into your future, and now you are wondering how to make your future career and your future life COVID-proof. However, there is no way to completely insulate our lives from the things that are happening around us. And as COVID-free as our island is now, your lives may forever have been changed. Nevertheless, I am a firm believer in the quote: “tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”’
As she expressed confidence in them, for their “toughness”, the graduates spontaneously applauded. She encouraged them to remain tough, though COVID and life’s obstacles might tend to blur their vision. Al though she recognised that they might have had to shift and changed their plans to suit their circumstances, she still assured them: “We are in this with you!” “Congratulations Class of 2020!” she exclaimed.
Like the Honourable Minister, Dr. Banks-Devonish, in her Keynote Address to the graduates, drew attention to the changing times in which they have graduated. Quoting from Charles Dickens’ “Tale of Two Cities”, she began: ‘It was the best of times; it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom; it was the age of foolishness…it was the Spring of hope; It was the Winter of despair.’” She continued: “The question you might be asking is: how could Dickens so accurately describe your educational journey. But I would like to tip my hat to you, because from where I stand I can only imagine that your journey was quite different
from those who journeyed on before you.
“I would refer to you as a Band of Pioneers. Pioneers, tasked with embracing the possibilities and creating a renewed vision for the future. I know that you can understand why I would refer to you as such but, for the sake of the rest of the audience, let us recap the last three years of your educational journey.” She commented on the onslaught of Hurricane Irma that affected the graduates as Fifth-Formers.
Then, she reviewed their resilience as they entered Sixth Form, already impacted by hardships as a result of Irma. “Nevertheless,” she said, “you rose to the occasion determined to make the best of the situation ‘cause CXC showed no mercy.” She noted: “You guys had it rough. It was somewhat unorthodox and rather daunting. And then, as you approached the finish-line, Bram! COVID-19 stepped in…And CAPE showed no mercy.
“I can only imagine how hard it was to face this reality even before you got those grades back a month ago. So, there is no doubt that your journey has been a difficult one. But just as much as your circumstances have taken away from you, they have given to you, as well. You are made now to develop new sets of skills and a sense of resilience that some of us could only admire in awe.”
Dr. Banks-Devonish commended the graduating class for being the first to experience a number of changes and the first to navigate such changes. She hailed them as the class who had become the example, instead of following the example of those who went before them. “You are,” she touted, “a band of pioneers, indeed.”
Following the presentation of certificates, the graduating class impressed the audience with an astounding song entitled “Rise”.
Directed by Head of Music, Mrs. Kimba Southwell, their rendition was nothing short of being superb.
Next, in making her congratulatory message, the Principal, Rita Celestine-Carty, began: “This evening we gather for the annual Sixth Form graduation ceremony of the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. We would have been engaged in this exercise in the month of June past, but, because of the cautionary protocols in place at that time, the ceremony could not be held then. This did not dissuade students and parents from asking so many times, in the interim, whether there will be a graduation. So, today, we are happy to be here. Indeed, I am happy.
“This is my opportunity to congratulate you, Class of 2020, on achieving this milestone in your lives. I congratulate you on staying the course — despite the many obstacles that would have stood in your way…You have overcome.”
In reflecting upon their graduation as Fifth-Formers, she called to mind 2018: “I distinctly remember your sitting here in this auditorium in October 2018, under the apt and very beautiful theme: ‘I am Brave, Brilliant and Oh so Resilient’. You were then the first Fifth-Formers who would have completed their secondary schooling under the dreaded, but necessary, shift system as a result of the passage of Hurricane Irma. Despite that major challenge, and many other personal challenges, you came through with flying colours.”
She continued, “At that point we had thought Irma would have been the worse you would see. Who would have thought that a global pandemic and modified exams would be in store? But, Sixth Form, you have come through with flying colours again, so give yourselves a big round of applause. (Rousing applause with cheers.) Well, what more can I say, besides congratulations?”
The Principal told the graduates that, while they deserve to pat themselves on their backs, they must be reminded that their achievements are not theirs alone, but the glory must be shared with their teachers, the school, their parents and relatives and, in short, their entire communities. Besides, she encouraged them to give thanks to God for their successes despite their challenging circumstances.
As the ceremony came to a close, with the Vote of Thanks given by graduate Tyree Peters, everyone would have claimed that it was, indeed, an evening well spent.
The Anguillian wishes to heartily congratulate all of the graduates, their teachers and their parents.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
