Basseterre, St. Kitts- It is a real pleasure to be with you today.  This ceremony reflects the commitment of the U.S. Embassy and the Caribbean Examinations Council to encourage and honor excellence in educational achievement. The Embassy and CXC are pleased to work together to present these awards for the second consecutive year.  Clearly, the importance of hard work and the love of learning are values shared in both St. Kitts/Nevis and the United States.  

President Barack Obama recently delivered an address on education to students throughout the United States in which he said:  “Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide.” 

President Obama went on to recount how his mother, a single parent, would teach him extra school lessons every school day beginning at 4:30 in the morning. At that time he and his family were living in Indonesia and his mother did not have the money to send him to the American school. This story highlights the important role that parents play in their children’s education. 

We commend Zoe, her teachers, and her parents Mr. and Mrs. Anthony and Marion Gonsalves.  Zoe, through her dedication and perseverance, has seized the opportunity to become an outstanding student by achieving the top overall scores for St.Kitts and Nevis in the CXC annual examinations for 2009. 

As mentioned, the United States and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States nations, place a strong emphasis on education by supporting teachers’ development through the Caribbean Centers for Excellence in Teacher Training, by donating books to schools, by supporting reading programs, and by sponsoring educational exchanges such as Fulbright scholarships.  The United States understands that educating youth is the key to democracy, economic growth, and social progress.  

I am here today to recognize the importance of educational excellence for Zoe, and for St. Kitts and Nevis.  The U.S. Embassy and CXC will make presentations to the other top students in the OECS nations. Today, it is Zoe Gonsalves turn to shine.

I will shortly present Zoe with an educational scholarship of $500 USD to recognize her achievement.  I will also present her with this plaque and Mrs. Blondelle Franks will present her with trophy on behalf of the CXC. I am also very pleased to present the students of St. Theresa’s Convent School  a set of 50 books highlighting the best of American literature, among which are many that are required reading in the CXC English language curriculum. 

I would also like to take a moment to encourage all of you to consider pursuing your university studies in the United States.  The higher education system in the United States remains a beacon of excellence to international students around the globe. During the 2008-2009 academic year, the number of international students studying in the United States, 671,616, set a record for the second year in a row. So as you look to your future, I would encourage you to consider our thousands of outstanding colleges and universities for academic pursuits.

Again, Zoe, my heartfelt congratulations on a job well done.