ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, July 8th, 2011 - The class which consisted of Valedictorian Charlesworth Georges Jr., Salutatorian Richard JnoMarie, Kamal Marshall, Kadeem Smith and Kareem Smith wore the school’s signature navy blue gown to march into the school’s courtyard that was full to capacity and to a cheering crowd.
An all male class graduated from the Claudia Creque Educational Centre (CCEC) Secondary Division on Anegada earlier this week making the ceremony not only special, but historic as the school celebrates its 25th graduation this year.
The ceremony marked a number of firsts for the school which include the first time the ceremony was held under the newly furnished courtyard roof funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
In his remarks, Minister of Education and Culture, Honourable Andew Fahie thanked Premier, Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal for making the funds available for the courtyard roof. He also congratulated the graduates and announced that Georges would receive the Dr. Pearl Varlack Traditional National Scholarship and an iPad and JnoMarie would receive a Territory scholarships and an iPad while Marshall would receive a regular scholarship that would enable him to attend H.Lavity Stoutt Community College and then matriculate at a university abroad.
In the Valedictorian’s Address, Georges thanked several people for assisting him in getting to his goal of graduation. Georges who is originally from Tortola lauded praises on the people of Anegada who made him feel welcomed. He told the audience of his memories going to the school for the first time.
“On the first day of the school term I felt sad and alone, just as any teenager would on the first day in a new and different environment. I tried to keep my composure as a tsunami of emotions took control of me”, he said, “at this point I was faced with a decision, either to drown or climb aboard the raft that was “divinely” provided to take me safely to my destination.”
“Two and a half years later I am proud to say that I’ve weathered the storm and have completed my tenure at CCEC. This, ladies and gentlemen is just the first step to achieving the greatness I know I am destined to achieve”, he added.
Remarks were also given by the Premier and Ninth District Representative, Hon. Ralph O’Neal and Principal Erma Vanterpool. The keynote address was given by Ms. Lisa Vanterpool, a member of the school’s Class of 2001 and then Valedictorian.
The ceremony also combined the graduating class for the primary division. In total eight students participated in the school’s graduation ceremony.
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.
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British Virgin Islands News