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| A cross section of the graduating class of 2004 |
Charlestown Nevis (July 2, 2004) It was with a sense of pride and satisfaction, when the St. Thomas’ Primary School began a new chapter in the annals of the school’s history, singing with joy their first school song during their graduation and prize giving ceremony on Tuesday.
The ceremony, which was held at the St. Thomas’ Anglican Church, saw participants listening to the lyrics that were written by Mr. Stevenson Manners, a teacher at the school, and musically arranged by Mr. John Hanley.
Principal of the school Ms Earlene Maynard expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Manners who retires at the end of the school term. She said, “Mere words cannot express our delight and gratitude. Mr. Manners, as you write your names in the annals of history of St. Thomas’, we wish you God blessings as you move on.”
She added, “In the same light, I express gratitude to Mr. John Hanley, the music maestro who wrote the music for the song. Mr. Hanley is a past student and teacher of this school. We welcome you to St. Thomas; hall of fame.” She also expressed thanks to Mr. John Hanley and Mrs. Jevon Dyer, whom she noted gave of her melodious voice so that they could capture the song in its perfection.
The school opened another chapter with the addition of a new donor. Mr. Deon Daniel of Deon Daniel & Associates is sponsoring two students from Barnes Ghaut who are going to the high school. Principal Maynard said, “He is giving them 500 dollars each and has pledged that each year they will receive 500 dollars until they have completed fifth form or the sixth form college.”
This she noted was certainly remarkable, but added, “There is more to come. Each year for the next five years, two students would be added (to the sponsor). I am thrilled with this outstanding gesture.”
Thirty-two students graduated to a higher academic level and according to Ms Maynard, who presented the school’s report for the academic year 2003-2004, twenty-two of them were entering the first and second stream of the secondary school.
In explaining that the results were remarkable, she told the students who will enter the third stream that all was not lost. “We know that you have had a difficult journey getting this far, keep on keeping on and you certainly will improve,” the principal added.
Denesia Smithen, who amassed a 83.3% average for the test of standard examination result at the school, also received best results in mathematics and language arts and was the top performer. Other students, who posted good results included, J’June Norford, Jahreese Herbert, Yonoka Flemming, Iesha O’Loughlin, Daricia Wilkinson, Albert Rubaine and Iesha Browne.
Mr. Wakely Daniel gave the feature address. He said, “As the saying goes, no man is an island. Parents, teachers, the government, churches, butchers, carpenters hoteliers and the list goes on, we must all play our collective role in the development of our students. We are all responsible for ensuring that children are raised in a nation that doesn’t just talk family values, but values family. Time and time again, we have heard the African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. There can be no question that that is true. “
He pointed out, while people are grabbing power, position and money, they are neglecting the real role they ought to be playing. He implored Nevisians to ensure that students have the interest of the community at heart, adding, “All too often we complain that we grew up deprived of many things, therefore our child or children will never be deprive of anything.”
“As a people we have become so occupy with giving our children what we did not have that we have forgotten to give them what we actually have. Being deprived of many things, taught us to cherish the little we had. It was the hard work we had to do that taught us industriousness and perseverance,” commented Daniel.
Junior Minister of Education, the Hon Livingston Herbert, in giving brief remarks said, “I want to suggest to all of us, that the students cannot do it alone. They need our help. The challenge may not be so much in getting the horse to drink water, but getting it to the water in the first place.”
The Education Minister added, “So you have to support your children, you have to spend quality time with them, you have to inquire of the teachers about their progress in school, you must engage your children, and you must ensure that they do their school work, especially their home work.”
