VAPLE BURT was a past pupil who was widely admired and was a proud product of her former school, The Girls’ High School of St. Kitts. Her life exemplified the essence of the school’s motto -“Ready to serve” - and this was confirmed by the very many tributes that poured from the mouths and the pens of the varying groups and institutions she served.
At the Thanksgiving Service held in her loving memory at St. Mary’s Anglican Church on December 17th, 2012, her helpfulness, support and inspiration were acknowledged by her students, friends, teachers and the entire education fraternity.
The leadership roles she played in her community, in her Church, in the Girl Guides Association, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and in the Green Valley Festival Committee were gratefully recognized and applauded by these organisations.
It was these qualities, always wrapped in warmth, humour and positive words of encouragement, that endeared Vaple to all with whom she associated, but it was also her readiness to serve in any way she could that singled her out and made her such a valuable person contributing to building her community, her society and her nation.
Past students of the Girls’ High School cannot help but feel proud that Vaple is numbered among the members of their now defunct school because she became the shining light in the community that all students were admonished to be…
*“To give of your best
That was the test
‘Lighted to lighten others
Ready to serve sisters and brothers.
Always remaining bright
For our work was to scatter light…
And every morning at Assembly
You were reminded
of what you should be…
A shining light
In your community” *
Vaple’s life, as all could attest, resonated with the values quoted above. The rendition of the School Song, a song which she, too, often sang at funerals of past students, was requested by her and was most fitting.
“But we must try not to reflect on what might have been; this only brings regret. ‘Tis better now instead to reflect on the life she led.”
Her enunciation and eloquence, her deportment and her sense of excellence would have made the School’s founder, Miriam Pickard, beam with pride…
“In the Miriam Pickard School
You had to know how to walk
You had to know how to talk….
And whether acting in a drama
Or dancing the maypole
Excellence was our watchword
Enjoyment the attitude….. *
Vaple Martha Burt gave so much and had so much more to give; she was admired so much and set such a noble and responsible example for others to follow; she was such a warm and supportive friend to all… that we truly grieve at her passing.
The Past Students of the Girls’ High School extend to Vaple’s family, friends and colleagues our sincere condolences and note that we can only honour her memory by holding aloft the torch with the light she lit. May her soul be blessed.
*excerpt from poem, Tribute to Miss Miriam Pickard, by LC
