ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 6th, 2012 – Graduates of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) Secondary Division were empowered to make a difference as keynote speaker Mr. Dalan Vanterpool encouraged the class to Dream Big, Work Hard and Play Smart.
“There are many things that can cripple one’s journey through life, but there are even more tools that can catapult us toward success. Friends, when you leave here today, I dare you to dream big, pray hard, and work smart,” Vanterpool said. – Graduates of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) Secondary Division were empowered to make a difference as keynote speaker Mr. Dalan Vanterpool encouraged the class to Dream Big, Work Hard and Play Smart.
Speaking to the 27 graduates at yesterday’s graduation ceremony at the Catholic Community Centre in Virgin Gorda, Mr. Vanterpool said, “I use the word dare because too many people go through life like punks. Afraid to dream big; Too timid to try things that seem difficult. But I look into your eyes today and feel confident that this will not be a problem for the 2012 BFEC Graduating Class! I see fire in your eyes. I hear hearts beating hard, spirits roaring like lions in the jungle, ready to leave this place and rule the world. Begin this next stage of your life with the end in mind.”
Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn in his remarks outlined ways in which the graduates can tap into unchartered waters to find more lucrative opportunities. “Who knows these waters more than the young men and women that have swam, dived and sailed our seas from the time of their birth? Who can give tourists a truly unique experience of the history and people of our islands? Graduates, our charter industry and the many lucrative opportunities it provides are largely untouched by our local population.”
He charged graduates, “As citizens we are missing out on opportunities to own tourism based establishments, to work in this sector and learn about an industry that puts bread on the table for the majority of residents in the Virgin Islands.”
He continued, “Furthermore, our tourism industry is too important to our economy for us to not have Virgin Islanders in the majority of key positions and establishments. That is the situation we find ourselves in today and graduates we are depending on you to change that,” Minister Walwyn said.
Principal Caryl O’Neal Alexander in her congratulatory remarks told the graduates to develop an attitude about their country. “Take pride in this part of the earth where God put you. It is imperative that you are always conscious of your heritage and the beauties of the Virgin Islands. You are steward of these. It is necessary that you maximize your potential in every possible area so that your love and loyalty to country results in you making it the best corner of the world. It is important that you never feel ashamed or afraid to claim these islands as your home.”
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith in his remarks encouraged students to live up to their full potential and become engaged in continuous learning. He said that Government is intent on developing a thriving business community and encouraged the graduates to develop a spirit of entrepreneurship and inventiveness.
Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal delivered congratulatory remarks and said he supports moves to uplift educational standards throughout the Territory.
Of the 27 graduates of the BFEC 2012 Graduating class, 24 students received grade one passes while three students received grade two passes. Fifteen students graduated with honors of which five were early admission students at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
Ms. Tahirah Bascombe was the Valedictorian and Mr. J’Verne Findlay was the salutatorian.
The Ministry of Education and Culture congratulates all graduates on their academic achievements as it builds and strengthens the education system to “Create a Culture of Excellence”.
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