BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - OF the 266 students that successfully graduated from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in the 24th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday (Dec. 1), more than one hundred did so with Honours.
The monumental ceremony was held at the institution’s compound under the patronage of the Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, with the theme: "Diversity - key to competitiveness in higher education."
The 266 graduates represented the six Divisions of the College: Technical and Vocational Education Management; Teacher Education; Adult and Continuing Education; Health Sciences; Hospitality Studies; and Arts, Sciences and General Studies.
The graduating class was led by Shelisia Glasford who gained the highest Grade Point Average and was named the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Scholar.
She also received the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant Award for Excellence in Academic Performance, Extra-Curricular Activities and Exemplary Conduct.
The State Scholar was awarded to Tishanna Hazel who gained seven grade one passes.
Shanice Liburd was the Runner-Up State Scholar while Asquil Ferlance received the Runner-Up National Technical and Vocational Education and Training Scholar Award.
The National Teacher Education Scholarship Award was received by Donato Wharton and the Academic, Clinical and Professional Excellence Scholarship Award for Health Sciences was given to Kenisha Mills.
Melissa Elliott received the Sir Cuthbert Sebastian Award for Most Outstanding Student in the Midwifery Programme, while the Dr. Joseph Christmas Award for Excellence in the Adult and Continuing Education Programme went to Amanda Pemberton.
Brief addresses were made by CFBC President Dr. Hermia Morton Anthony, Chairman of the CFBC Board of Governors Dr. Eustace Esdaille and Minister of Education and Information Hon. Nigel Carty, while the keynote address was given by Dr. Didacus Jules, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer for the Caribbean Examinations Council in Barbados, who challenged the graduates to be innovative and not be satisfied with where they are now but to "go after greater things".
He showed a very inspirational video which was based on a poem regarding how one spends life.
It spoke to the "dash (-)" between birth and death and highlighted the importance of how one lives one’s life, encouraging one to not accept mediocre but push towards greatness.
Dr. Jules also showed the graduates an Apple commercial which also spoke to thinking "outside the box" and work towards what one really believes in, no matter the cost.
Leaving the graduates with an inspirational quote, Dr. Jules said, “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
The TVET Scholar, Glasford, also gave the valedictorian speech in which she highlighted details of her experience as a college student and encouraged the graduates to continue climbing higher and always strive for the best.
The 266 students received their respective Associate's Degree and College Certificates from the Deans of their respective Divisions.
