Some of the 190 students who graduated from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) on June 8, 2017 . Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman'

133 females and 57 males made up the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College's graduating class of 2017. Photo: VINO/File

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) graduation exercise was held at the HLSCC campus in Paraquita Bay on June 8, 2017. Photo: Dame Peters Photography

“We can’t expect to change the world and make an impact if we ourselves don’t want to accept change. The change begins with us,” Corion-Durante added.

She was one of 190, 133 females and 57 males, making up the graduating class of 2017 and her charged was qualified by Dr Charles Wheatley, chairman of the HLSCC Board of Governors when he said, “You are part of the struggle to create a community where people respect one another as God’s children and not as commodity or things. You are part of the struggle to stop the trading and use of illegal drugs. You are part of the struggle to wipe out the use of guns and other destructive weapons, and to save lives.”

“You are part of the struggle to stand for equity in public and private affairs. You are part of the struggle to increase opportunities for those behind you. You are part of the struggle to improve the quality of life for all who reside in this territory and beyond,” Dr Wheatley further said while he charged graduates to appreciate the importance of self-worth.

The confidence of the graduating class was further boosted with remarks from Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn(AL)  who told them “You will find people who you think are in your corner, but [they] are actually not. You will find people who wish you well until you start to do well. And you will find those who will lift you up and who will celebrate your successes. Whatever experience you have, make sure that you learn from it.”

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith said, “This achievement is not only about you; it’s also about the British Virgin Islands.”

Full-time science students with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 are Zora Williams and Julissa Cedano while 52-year-old housekeeper, Weslene Walters, a Guyanese, was decorated most successful part-time student, having obtained an Associate's Degree in Business Administration and Accounting.