By:St. Clair Sazam Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 29, 2016 the Joycelyn Liburd Primary School conducted its annual graduation and prize giving ceremony at the St. George’s Methodist Church in Gingerland. The event was held under the esteemed patronage of Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln Dyer.
Under its theme, “Life is a Journey not a Destination” the school bade farewell to twenty two (22) promising students.
The ceremony began with the Invocation by Rev Cannon Dr. Alston Percival. This was followed by the National Anthem.
Chairperson of the ceremony, Mrs. Vanessa Webbe gave the opening remarks. She noted that the success that was being celebrated was owed to all who played their particular roles in the lives of the children. Ms. Webbe indicated that the theme chosen for the event was a reminder that we should always aspire to achieve great things in life. She also pointed out that the successes with our children today will determine the level of comfort we enjoy with them tomorrow; and the level of achievements the children themselves gain in the future.
Principal of the institution, Ms. Barbara Hendrickson, delivered the annual report. She stated that the school has always aimed to maintain excellence, and the past year has been one of success. Ms. Hendrickson pointed out, that the strides the school has made over the year would not have been possible without the dedication and sacrifice of the staff. She continued, “Nothing could have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of the members of the school”. She also congratulated the students on their big day and wished them all the best at the other level.
Mr. Chesley Manners gave feature address. He congratulated the students on what they had achieved, noting that it was just the start of bigger things to come. Mr. Manners told the graduating class that like the chosen theme, as they journey through life they will realize that life is indeed a journey and not a destination. He stated that one time he and a group of people were traveling to Nevis Peak. Manners pointed out that this sturdy woman who was journeying with them kept asking when they were going to reach and they told her soon. He said that at one time the lady grew impatient and said I am not going any further I am going to stay right here until you all get back.
Mr. Manners indicated that after some encouragement the lady got up continued traveling with them. He said that they all made it to the top and enjoyed the fresh air that the top of the mountain had to offer. He told the graduates that they will encounter similar situations in life but they have to get up and continue their journey. He said, “Whenever you feel like you can’t go any further, you have to pick yourself up and go again”. In closing, Mr. Manners told the graduates to keep striving for excellence.
The valedictory speech was given by Julissa Griffin. She told those gathered, that the day was indeed special and momentous for them the students, but it was equally special for those who spent time with them to ensure they were successful. She noted that the completion of primary school, has given them a chance to reflect and to feel satisfied with their accomplishments.
The school’s top student also noted that that their parents were proud of them and they themselves are indeed proud because they had made their parents proud. She indicated that she still has vivid memories of her first day in Kindergarten, and their graduation was just a reminder that time keeps going forward and so shall they. In closing, she asked God to keep on blessing them as they move on to the next level.
The presentation of certificates and prizes were done by Mr. Lincoln Dyer and his wife Mrs. Yolander Dyer.
Mrs. Collis Griffin, mother of the Valedictorian gave the vote of thanks.
