By: St. Clair Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 9, 2013, all roads led to the Shiloh Baptist Church located in Ramsbury, Charlestown for the Bellevue Primary School graduation ceremony.
Under its theme, ‘Aspiring for the best against all odds- conquering the social ills of today’, the school said farewell to four students who would 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 invocation by Pastor Eric Maynard which was followed by the singing of the National Anthem.
The opening remarks were delivered by Chairperson, Mrs. Shirletta Byron. She told those in attendance that she was pleased to be in such a magnificent edifice to share such a special day with the graduates. She assured the students that there was nothing wrong with having big dreams, as long as they maintains a hunger for excellence while remaining committed and dedicated to their dreams.
In delivering the school’s 2013 annual report Principal, Mrs. Lucia Wilkinson said the school has always aimed to provide its pupils with an environment in which they were 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.
Mrs. Wilkinson also spoke in appreciation of the sterling contribution of her teaching staff. She said, ‘I would like to say Thank You to our teachers for the hard work, patience, love and dedication that you have displayed over the years. Without you, these children could not have made it this far. You have given them a good foundation on which to build their future’.
Mrs. Cynthia Grenyion gave the feature address. She reminded the students that even though they had the luxury of achieving automatic entry into high school they still needed to develop a hunger for excellence and a thirst to learn. Mrs. Grenyion went on to encourage the students to take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends. However, she cautioned them against making wrong decisions and choosing idle company. Turning to the parents she pleaded with them never to turn their backs on their children.
The Valedictory Speech was made by Adiel Chowtipersad who was the second best student on the island in the recent Test of Standard’ with a pass mark of 89.65%. He noted that the first time he walked into the schoolyard of the Belle Vue Primary School, something felt a bit ‘off’ but he was not aware what the problem was.
However, after a few days he started making friends and found himself in such a comfort zone that it is now hard to say goodbye. ‘We played a lot’, noted Adiel ‘but when it was time to work we were very serious with it’. The Valedictorian also spoke highly of the teachers who he said showed confidence in them through tough times when they themselves had doubts.
Ms. Shenell Guishard presented the gifts and certificates while the vote of thanks was given by students Rebeca and Zidan.
Click link to see photos