By: St. Clair ‘Sazam’ Hull
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN NEVIS)- On the afternoon of Thursday, July 10, 2014, the Ivor Walters Primary School conducted its annual graduation and prize giving ceremony at the school’s auditorium. The event was held under the esteemed patronage of Ms. Lornette Thompson.
Under its theme, ‘Aim at the Stars and You Will Reach the Sky’, the school said goodbye to nineteen (19) promising students.
The ceremony began with the invocation by Pastor Marcia Tomlinson. This was followed by the National Anthem.
Chairperson of the ceremony, Mr. Allister Thompson gave the opening remarks. He told those in attendance, that he was overwhelmed to share such a day with the graduates and it was even more joyful since he too was a past student. Mr. Thompson told the graduating class to aim for higher stars and not only for those stars that are already within their reach.
Principal of the institution, Mrs. Janice Richards, delivered the annual report. She noted that the school has always aimed to maintain excellence and the past year had been one of success. Among other achievements Mrs. Richards highlighted those made in Sports. She said that the school won a number of gold medals at the 2014 Inter Primary School Meet, and were back to back football champions. In conclusion Mrs. Richards thanked all those who had played a role to ensure that the school continues to be progressive.
Past student of the school, Ms. Shevane Nisbett delivered the feature address. Ms. Nisbett said that she was extremely honoured and humbled to be the keynote speaker for an institution that had given her so much more than an education. She told the graduates that some extremely successful people had passed through the school from which they were now graduating. She encouraged the students to aspire to walk in their footsteps. She continued, “The likes of Hon. Mark Brantley and Vernel ‘Toad’ Powell attended this school just like you and you must allow them to be your inspiration to succeed because they too aimed at the stars and eventually reached the sky”.
The valedictory speech was given by Breandra Liburd, the daughter of Nevis’ foremost jokey Garfield ‘Brem’ Liburd. She told the gathering that upon entering Kindergarten, she realized that she was small and she humbly acted her size. She noted upon reaching grade 4 they were told to be smart and she did just that. She thanked her teachers, parents and extended family for the love and affection they had given to her over the years but especially her mother, Mrs. Sandra Liburd who always reminded her never to say, ‘you can’t’ but instead say, ‘you will try’. In closing, she noted that her classmates had been the very best she could have hoped for and the memories of them would last a lifetime.
The presentation of certificates and prizes was done by the distinguished patron Ms. Lornette Thompson. Thompson left the school at the end of the term after twenty-nine years (29) of service.
The vote of thanks was given by Student Council President, Sharissa Williams.
