Charlestown Nevis (July 7, 2004) “Persevering to the End” was the theme under which fourteen students graduated from the St. James’ Primary School on Tuesday 6, at the St. James Anglican Church.
Giving an extensive school report for the academic year 2003/2004 during the annual prize giving and graduating ceremony, Principal of the school, Ms. Vertille Weekes told the large gathering that the year under review was a successful year although there were limited resources.
She attributed the success to the number of students entering the Gingerland Secondary School for the academic year 2004/2005 and the facelift that the school received as it celebrated its twenty-five year of existence.
“Fourteen students took the test of standards and the results are as follows,” said Principal Weeks. “ 9 students will go to 1A1, 4 to 1A2, and 1 to 1A3.” The most outstanding student was Sarah Jones. Two students, namely, Techyna David and Shaniqua Williams are the top students for the primary schools in the area of Social Studies.”
Addressing the graduating class, Ms Weeks said, “As you leave the hallowed walls of the St James’ Primary school, if you don’t remember anything that we taught you here, I would like you to remember the school’s motto, ‘Success Through Perseverance’, and hold on to it. It should help you along life’s way.”
The Principal told the students that once they persevere they could keep pushing. “You’ll be able to attain heights that you have never dreamt of. So keep on holding on. Continue to be friends and support each other.”
In delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Elsa Ambrister challenged the graduants to be ambitious. She said, “Set goals and work towards them. Life as I know it does not have any fairytales or fairy godmothers. Success is achieved by hard work, perseverance and discipline. Success is being happy with what you are doing.”
“My advice to you graduates, is to embrace the new. When we believe in ourselves we can make anything happen. You must use wisdom and embrace what is right in the sight of the law and in God’s eyes. I want to admonish you to live so that when your classmates think of integrity, fairness and honesty they think of you.”
She told the graduants that they can make a difference both individually and collectively and challenged them to go forth and to chart their course of excellence. “Be strong in your beliefs and stand firm in what you have embedded in your heart. Remember, if you don’t stand for something you will fall for nothing”.
Education Officer, Mrs. Avril Elliot, in conveying brief remarks on behalf of the education department, expressed her profound thanks to be sharing in the such symbolic ceremony. She commended the principal and staff of the school for their dedication and commitment to the fight against illiteracy.
“It is often said that there is strength in numbers, but the St. James Primary continues to demonstrate that there is some advantage in being small as is clearly demonstrated this afternoon,” commented Elliot.
In response to, “it takes a community to raise a child,” Mrs. Elliot noted that it took an entire community to produce a successful child, adding, “You are a small community, but the success of your community is draped in fine linens of cooperation and teamwork. You certainly have the wherewithal to initiate and maintain success, as you advance from strength to strength. Always remember these words, ‘Unity makes the discords of the present, the success of the future.’”
Sarah Jones gave the valedictory speech while two graduating students gave the vote of thanks. Education Officer, Mrs. Versalie Powell, distributed the prizes and certificates and Mr. St. Clair Wallace chaired the ceremony.
