On the afternoon of Tuesday, June 27th, the sound of Dianna Ross’s song, “If We Hold on Together” ushered in the procession of 16 graduates down the aisle of the Alwyn Allison Richardson’s Primary School auditorium, as their graduation ceremony got underway.
This special event for the Home of the Grey Wolves was to be the final of six public primary schools’ graduations, and it was under the theme “The Journey Continues; be Wise and Rise”.
After the playing of the National Song by music teachers Kasey Thompson and Kacey Richardson on keyboard and steelpan respectively, and a prayer of thanksgiving was offered by Teacher Leonard Telemaque.
Welcome remarks were made by Teacher Keri Richardson: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to our annual graduation ceremony,” she affirmed. “I am extremely grateful to God for His many blessings throughout this academic year…Today is one of those grand occasions,” she said, “when we celebrate each of the graduates’ achievements through their perseverance, and we, along with their family members share in their successes.”
The Keynote Address was delivered by Ms. Sheila Harrigan, Founder of the Miss Venus Model Caribbean Pageant. “Graduating class of 2023, it is with great joy and anticipation that I address you, on the brink of this new chapter in your life,” she stated. “You have reached another milestone, and it is your dedication that has led you to this moment.”
She told the graduates that even though they had ended their tenure at Alwyn Allison, their journey was continuing, and they were embarking into the unknown. “Preparing for your secondary school journey may evoke feelings of nervousness and uncertainty,” she said, but it is natural to feel fearful when stepping into the unknown. So, embrace these feelings and channel them into fueling you ambitions in secondary school experiences.”
She then advised them about their attachment to ‘friends’: “You may lose some friends along the way, but you will also gain some new ones who will share in the excitement of your journey. It is crucial to note though, that while friends are an essential part of your life, they should not be regarded as the single source of guidance. Each of you has the ability to make wise decisions and to understand the difference between right and wrong. So please rely on your inner compass and values to guide you in making choices that are aligned with your dreams and aspirations.”
The distribution of certificates and awards saw the students receiving special recognition for their accomplishments in academics as well as extracurricular programmes.
Special awards included the Grey Wolf Pride Award; the Environmental Ambassador Award; the Mr. Albert E. Hughes Award; the Church of God of Prophecy Award; the Children’s Ministry Award; the Mothers’ Union Award; and the Invaluable Service Award.
Other awards presented included Character Awards for Most Outstanding Behaviour, the School Ambassador Award, and Focused & Determined to Improve Award.
One unique feature of the school was the ‘Stole of Gratitude’ Presentation, where each graduate would stand and announce the person in their school life whom they were most indebted to and grateful for. That individual would then walk forward before the graduates who would bestow around their necks the ‘Stole of Gratitude’. Most of the graduates chose their mothers as that most important person in their lives, while the others selected their fathers, grandmothers or aunts.
The Valedictorian, Mr. Sydhari Richardson, was described as a model student who is humble.
Among the many reflections of his school life at Alwyn Allison, Sydhari recounted his many memories of class life, playtime, fond relationships with his teachers and peers, as well as the hardships experienced through Hurricane Irma and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sydhari extended profound thanks to his parents and all who contributed to his primary schooling, and in particular on behalf of his fellow-graduates, he expressed much gratitude for the guidance and direction of his teachers.
“Thank you Teacher Trisha and Teacher Patricia,” he said, “for inspiring and for instilling within us that desire to go in the direction of our dreams. I want to mention special thanks to you, Teacher Trisha, for believing in me and for you and for your continued support and encouragement.”
He also thanked Teacher Britney, Teacher Krystal, Teacher Shariffa, Teacher Keri and Teacher Trevis.
The Vote of thanks was delivered by Salutatorian, Shynae Duncan. Each graduate was escorted from the auditorium by their parents.
