B.V.I. Wednesday, June 30 (GIS Press Release) - The six graduates included three from the secondary division: Misses Nikaida Wheatley (Valedictorian), Deanna Fahie (Salutatorian) and Mr. Ajar Brooks; and three from the primary division: Mr. Lawrence Kirton-Wheatley (Valedictorian), Misses Micheal Creque (Salutatorian) and Dayanara Rosa Rojas. – Members of the Anegada community gathered at the Claudia Creque Educational Centre’s school grounds on Monday to celebrate with the graduating class of 2010.
Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE congratulated the school on their 20th graduation ceremony which he described as a milestone. Premier O’Neal urged the students to continue their studies because the sky is the limit. “You have seen some changes in Anegada over your life time and that is a sign that there is hope in Anegada,” he said.
The Premier added, “I want you to have pride in your island and do not think it is forgotten because all of the members of the House of Assembly are very keen to see Anegada develop the way the people of this island wants it, gradually and in the right manner.”
Minister of Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie told the graduates that they are where they are because they studied, understood, passed exams, thought outside the box and excelled. “You are reaping the reward of your strength.
Strength that came through God’s grace that never seizes, from your teachers who believed in your ability to succeed to your family and friends who pushed you so that you can endure to the end,” he noted.
The Education Minister told both primary and secondary graduates to prepare themselves for a new chapter in their lives. “Prepare for the challenges, opportunities ahead and for God’s plans for your lives by fulfilling your purpose,” he urged.
Other speakers at the graduation included Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Marcia Potter, who said, “Graduates as you leave this school set yourselves goals and see the challenges that come your way as opportunities to bring about growth and use them to make you a better person and improve this world in which we live.”
Principal of CCEC Mrs. Erma Vanterpool told the secondary graduates that they made it through but they have not yet arrived. “I encourage you to set your goals and strive diligently to accomplish them. Remember where you are now is not your destiny. In spite of the obstacles you encounter, strive for excellence,” she urged.
Guest Speaker Ms. Angela Wheatley, who was the valedictorian of the Class of 2000, encouraged the graduates to follow their dreams no matter how hard or long the journey may seem.
“Remember the road to success is not the key to happiness but happiness is the key to success,” she said.
Valedictorian Nikaida Wheatley told her fellow graduates that their journey has just begun. “We will be faced with bigger trials but with perseverance and faith in God I know we can make it. We must set our goals, focus and work towards them and do not allow anything or anyone to deter us from what we set out to accomplish,” she said.
Anegada’s secondary education began in 1981. Their first graduation ceremony was held in 1986 in which four students graduated from the secondary division. During this time there were some years in which the school did not have a graduation ceremony.
British Virgin Islands News