By:St. Clair Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- On Thursday, June 30, 2016, all roads led to the Charlestown Methodist Church for the graduation ceremony of the Charlestown Primary School.
Under its theme, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality…..Dare to lead” the school said farewell to forty four students who will be entering the Secondary School system in September. The event marked another successful year in the life of the primary school.
The ceremony began with the National Anthem which was done by the school choir and was followed by the Invocation given by Mr. Leyland Harris.
The opening remarks were given by Chairperson Ms. Patricia Parris. She told those in attendance that she pleased to be able to share such a special day with the graduates. She assured the students that there was nothing wrong with dreaming big, as long as one maintains a hunger for excellence while remaining committed and dedicated to their dreams.
In delivering the school’s 2016 annual report Principal, Ms. Latoya Jeffers said the school has always aimed to provide its pupils with an environment in which they are motivated in all areas of the curriculum. The principal also acknowledged the assistance of various businesses and individuals who continue to provide valuable support to the school.
Ms Jeffers also recognized the sterling contribution of her teaching staff. She thanked the teachers for the hard work, patience, love and dedication they have displayed over the years. She told the teachers, “Without you, these children could not have made it this far. You have given them a good foundation on which to build their future”.
Ms. Mavis Parris then recited a wonderful poem entitled ‘You Stand Out’, and Ms. Nayala Daniel captivated the audience with a song called ‘Powerful’.
Former student of the school, Ms. Camara Lee gave the feature address. She congratulated the graduates and told them to keep aspiring for excellence. Lee mentioned the Nevisian FIFA Referee, Mr. Kimbell Ward and told the graduates that he would not have made it to the top if he did not have a vision. Ms. Lee also warned the students about keeping away from wrong company when they go on to the next level. She pointed out that if they wanted to be leaders, they cannot be sidetracked and influence by negativity.
The valedictory speech was given by Jahkela Barrett. Jahkela is the daughter of former Principal of the Charlestown Primary School; Mr. Kevin ‘Scooby’ Barrett. She told the gathering that she was proud of her fellow graduates. She noted in a short story, that when she was younger and had disagreements with her brother, her mother would make both of them say sorry by saying each other’s name. She indicated that she always said her brother’s name but when it was his turn he would only say “Sorry”. Jakela stated that she would say “Sorry Who” and her brother would say “Sorry Jahkela”.
The valedictorian also spoke about the countless memories she had at the school but none was more memorable or touching than a visit her classmates once paid to her. She noted that she had gotten ill in Grade 3 and one day when she was home and the entire class visited her at home. She indicated that she was extremely elated.
She told her fellow students that they all knew very well what is expected of them at secondary school by their teachers so there was no need to elaborate on that. In closing, she applauded her parents and all of her teachers for the efforts made and encouragement given. She also praised Pastor Wayne Maynard and his wife for praying with her at the school on the opening morning of the Test of Standards.
The presentation of gifts and certificates were done by Mr. Kevin Barrett and the vote of thanks was given by Mr. Othniel Daly.
