By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- The Maude Crosse Preparatory School was in a celebratory mood on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 as the institution hosted its annual graduation ceremony at the Shiloh Baptist Church, under the patronage of Ms. Shelly Crosse.
It was a remarkable moment for the graduating class and also for the school as they celebrated capturing best Test of Standard results on the island of Nevis for the second year in succession.
A total of sixteen pre-schoolers, and nine grade six students graduated from the learning institution.
High praises and thunderous applauses went to Jayden Dore for placing first in this year’s Test of Standard; and Patrice Nisbett II for placing second. The achievement was no ordinary one for Jayden as he did even better than the top student from the previous year. Jayden surpassed the percentage of 96% which was achieved last year by Lekiah Lescott by attaining 97.52%. This achievement ultimately placed him in the annals of history. Patrice II, who rivaled Jayden for best results, gained a percentage of 94.62%.
The momentous event was chaired by former student, Attorney, Ms. Saundra Hector. Hector recalled her experience of sitting eagerly where the graduates sat some 15 years ago. “Graduation ceremonies”, she said, “come at the end of a journey of academic and social preparation and are indeed an indication that the children whose successes we celebrate are one step closer to achieving their life purposes”.
She congratulated the 25 students who were all anxiously awaiting the receipt of their certificates from an institution that has molded them and has played an important part in their upbringing to this point.
She also commended the principle, Ms. Cherry- Ann Walwyn and her outstanding staff.
To the parents, Ms. Hector indicated that the graduation ceremony was a testament to their hard work, constant encouragement, their assistant and painstaking support.
Education Officer, Mrs. Avril Elliott gave brief remarks on behalf of the Department of Education. She extended warmest congratulations and best wishes to the principal, staff, graduants, parents and well wishers of the Maude Crosse Preparatory School.
To the Grade Six students Elliott said, “Your outstanding performance has warmed the hearts of everyone. Your ability to capture most outstanding student on the island of Nevis, rank number one and two on the Test of Standards list, gain three positions on the top ten list, and produce several boys with outstanding performances is indeed reason to celebrate”.
Mrs. Elliott applauded the exemplary performance of the unassuming, Jayden Dore, Class Valedictorian, whose stunning accomplishments have been recorded in the archives of education on Nevis, Patrice Nisbett II, the second runner up, Tyrique Smith who made it in the top ten as well as Domal Spellen who performed creditably. She also congratulated Alyssa Daniel for emerging most outstanding girl and to the entire graduating class of 2015.
Commendations went also to Ms. Sue-Ann Collins, the class teacher. Elliott indicated that Collins had vivaciously built on the educationally sound structure that her colleagues past and present have provided, for her to prove for yet another time, that she was indeed a ‘Famous Finisher’ and a ‘Gentle Giant’.
In closing, she advised the parents to continue to mentor the children, be positive role models. She further admonished the parents to make the children the music of their hearts; and always be the winds beneath their wings.
The School’s Report was delivered by the school’s principal, Ms. Cherry-Anne Walwyn. It was her honor to outline the achievements of the school for the year 2014-2015.
Ms. Walwyn noted that she, along with her staff members, was bubbling with excitement over the school’s success. She thanked everyone for journeying with them; and saluted the entire staff for a job well done.
“Our teachers did again, what we were told would never happen,” she noted. She commended that Grade 6 teacher Ms. Sue-Ann Collins and described her as the best Grade 6 teacher in the Federation.
The principal said that the Maude Crosse Preparatory School is an ‘Unstoppable Force’.
She congratulated the ‘humble child’, Jayden Dore who surpassed the results of last year’s top student, Lekiah Lescott and have set a new record of 97. 52%. She also commended the other graduates for their outstanding performances.
Ms. Kelva Merchant was the featured speaker for the event. She encouraged the graduants that to be the best they can be, and always remember the theme, ‘If you think you can… You can!’
She also encouraged the students to set goals, be polite and use words that can inspire and motivate them.
Class Valedictorian, Jayden Dore did an amazing job rendering his valedictory speech.
The ceremony saw entertainment in poems and songs by the pre-schoolers and also students of the school and the grade 6 graduating class. A steel pan rendition was done by some of the students and this brought the audience to its feet.
The presentations of certificates and awards generated a lot of excitement. A number of students received awards for their magnificent performances during the school year; among the awards were the S. L. Horsfords medals and pins awards.
Ms. Midge Morton gave the vote of thanks.
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