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80 graduate from ‘Mighty Scatliffe’

- students told to be willing to work hard
A section of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, Class of 2017. Photo:VINO/File
Andre Smikle, Valedictorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, during his welcome remarks. Photo: VINO/File
Andre Smikle, Valedictorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, during his welcome remarks. Photo: VINO/File
Amari Blyden, Salutatorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, receiving a medallion for his top achievements. Photo: VINO/File
Amari Blyden, Salutatorian of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, receiving a medallion for his top achievements. Photo: VINO/File
Ms Simone E. Martin, Keynote Speaker, advised the Class of 2017 to be confident in whatever they set out to do and they will achieve great success. Photo: VINO/File
Ms Simone E. Martin, Keynote Speaker, advised the Class of 2017 to be confident in whatever they set out to do and they will achieve great success. Photo: VINO/File
Althea Scatliffe Primary School graduates looking at their certificates. Photo: VINO/File
Althea Scatliffe Primary School graduates looking at their certificates. Photo: VINO/File
Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Education and Culture, encouraged the students to strive for greatness no matter the obstacles they will meet throughout their lives. Photo: VINO/File
Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Education and Culture, encouraged the students to strive for greatness no matter the obstacles they will meet throughout their lives. Photo: VINO/File
Orlando Douglas was presented with a Galaxy Samsung tablet for his perseverance during some major challenges he faced while he was at the school. Photo: VINO/File
Orlando Douglas was presented with a Galaxy Samsung tablet for his perseverance during some major challenges he faced while he was at the school. Photo: VINO/File
From left Mr Algon G. Smikle, father of the Valedictorian, Andre Smikle, Valedictorian, Amari Blyden, Salutatorian and Pastor Allen A. Blyden, father of the Salutatorian, stand as proud fathers of the top two graduates. Photo:VINO/File
From left Mr Algon G. Smikle, father of the Valedictorian, Andre Smikle, Valedictorian, Amari Blyden, Salutatorian and Pastor Allen A. Blyden, father of the Salutatorian, stand as proud fathers of the top two graduates. Photo:VINO/File
Ms Simone E. Martin, Keynote Speaker (left) and Ms. Marieta C. Flax-Headley, Principal of Althea Scatliffe Primary School (right), are filled with joy as they watch the Class of 2017 receive their diplomas. Photo:VINO/File
Ms Simone E. Martin, Keynote Speaker (left) and Ms. Marieta C. Flax-Headley, Principal of Althea Scatliffe Primary School (right), are filled with joy as they watch the Class of 2017 receive their diplomas. Photo:VINO/File
Some of the graduates of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School receiving their diplomas from Honorable Delores Christopher, Fifth District Representative and Mrs Connie George, Acting Chief Education Officer. Photo: VINO/File
Some of the graduates of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School receiving their diplomas from Honorable Delores Christopher, Fifth District Representative and Mrs Connie George, Acting Chief Education Officer. Photo: VINO/File
Althea Scatliffe Primary School graduates, turning their tassels to signify being official graduates. Photo: VINO/File
Althea Scatliffe Primary School graduates, turning their tassels to signify being official graduates. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN Tortola, VI - “As you prepare to embark on a new educational journey in high school, I encourage you to remain focused and remember the values that were instilled in you by your parents. You all possess the ability to do great things, but you must be willing to work hard in order to reap the fruits of your labour.”

This was conveyed to some 80 graduates of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS), also referred to as ‘Mighty Scatliffe’, by Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Education and Culture, during the school’s exit ceremony at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall in Road Town on June 28, 2017.

Addressing the graduates, Hon Walwyn encouraged the students to strive for greatness no matter the obstacles they will meet throughout their lives.

Following the congratulatory message from the minister, a special award was given to Orlando Douglas for his perseverance during some major challenges he faced while he was at the school. The graduate received a Galaxy Samsung tablet.

A musical interlude by the ASPS Choir; “We’ll Rise up” by Mr Gerard Huggins was beautifully executed as the patrons, students, teachers and dignitaries rocked to the music.

Ms Marieta C. Flax-Headley, Principal of Althea Scatliffe Primary School, leaving a congratulatory message said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it. I believe that the start you have received here at the “Mighty Scatliffe” should allow each of you to hold you own and perform at the high level at any secondary institution globally. Embrace it. Cherish it and continue to reach for the stars.”

Discipline is key

Ms Simone E. Martin, Keynote Speaker, was born and raised in the Virgin Islands (VI) and is a product of the Virgin Islands’ education system. She attended the then BVI High School, now the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS). From there she earned an undergraduate degree in Accounting at the University of the Virgin Islands and a graduate degree in Business Administration at the University of the West Indies.

Ms Martin, who this news site featured as a Young Professional in December of 2011, advised the Class of 2017 to be confident in whatever they set out to do and they will achieve great success.

“An ‘A’ molded you to be most adaptive to change. That is what is needed for the 21st century. An ‘A’ ensures that your social skills are more advance than your peers. What is this ‘A’ that I keep referring to? ‘A’ is for Althea Scatliffe Primary School. Today, I want to say there is one ‘D’ that should be on your graduation report card; that ‘D’ is discipline. It is the key to succeed, not only in school but in life. If hard work is the engine, discipline is the fuel that propels you to your goals,” said the keynote speaker.

Ms Martin continued, “Be you. Do not be afraid of being different.  Be brave. Have the courage to chase dreams into goals and goals into accomplishments. Be polite. Manners may get you through doors that your ability and talent cannot. Be teachable. Humble yourselves to learn.  Start the next chapter of your life being proud of all that you have accomplished.”

‘It’s all about striving hard & striving for excellence’

Andre Smikle, Valedictorian, described his journey as “rocky and bumpy” but he faced his obstacles which have led him to where he is today. He expressed that he is excited and honoured to be the Valedictorian.

Mr Algon G. Smikle, father of the Valedictorian, commented that he is filled with immense joy that his son has accomplished such great success:

“It’s all about striving hard and striving for excellence. Education is the key to success. I challenged him to double the amount of awards he received when he reaches fifth or sixth form of ESHS and he said, I think I can; I’ll try.”

In an invited comment, Amari Blyden, Salutatorian stated that he is filled with joy because all his hard work paid off.

Pastor Allen A. Blyden, father of the Salutatorian, expressed his pride for his son’s achievements:

“He studied hard and he’s a very focused young man. I’m hoping that he will achieve the same type of success when he reaches ESHS.”

The top ten students were: Andre Smikle, Amari Blyden, Desarie Maynard, D’Shaye Phillips, Ajaanii Malone, Kristen Erickson, Brea Brodie, Tierra DaSilva, Mashal Louisy and Ronald Casear.

The top students in various subject areas were:

Mathematics, Science, English and Physical Education- Andre Smikle

Spanish and Music- Amari Blyden

Social Studies- Desarie Maynard

6 Responses to “80 graduate from ‘Mighty Scatliffe’”

  • parent (29/06/2017, 10:36) Like (8) Dislike (4) Reply
    Remember when funny man wanted to remove "mighty scaliffe" old fool
    • l (29/06/2017, 16:09) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      It is not a part of the school's name. Althea Scatliffe was one of our stalworth educators.
  • Teacher (29/06/2017, 11:22) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
    He explained the slogan can be painted on the inside not on the outside, for it's not legally apart of the school name. Stop being petty
  • BULLY (29/06/2017, 12:53) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    now look at how young they are they could have used the additional year
    • @ bully (02/07/2017, 22:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Every constituency in the BVI has produced lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers and other professionals. What's the big deal over an additional year anyway?????
  • Who says: (29/06/2017, 13:36) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    At times we blame our boys for getting into trouble as many are drop outs, or more likely to get into criminal activities but we can see here at least 2 boys took the top honours at this school. Our children successes and failures most of the time depend on the type of parentage,bring up our children in the church if you as the parent cant for a reason attend church send the children still.Instil the word of God at all times in them. Motivate them to read and buy books and also allow them to join the library, stimulate their brain by learning to play an instrument,play games like chess,monopoly,etc.Play puzzles and crosswords.Take children on outings,sightseeing,museums,health walks,hikes,etc.let them do chores at home,allow to develop a sense of responsiblity, encourage them to save(start the little piggy bank at home).At a time period to start summer/holidays jobs,etc and the list goes on. It sure needs and takes the community to raise a child and the home,church,school ,you and I,all must do our part


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