Hon. Mark Vanterpool (left) and Pastor Carlton O’Neal (right) told the graduating class that they were once in their shoes. they encourage the class to reach for the stars and dont be afraid to ask for help. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

Althea Scatliffe Primary School 2012 graduating class celebrating the end of primary school and beginning of a new endeavour. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

At the graduation ceremony of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS) that took place yesterday July 4, 2012 at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool encouraged the graduating class of his Alma Mata to always dream big, and stick with that dream.

In painting a visual picture, Hon. Vanterpool told the students that he came from a time where things were very difficult and tough. He stated that as a child of a single parent who worked two to three jobs to make ends meet, he and his family did all kinds of things on the side in efforts to buy their school books, shoes and uniform.

Using himself as an example, he told the students that coming from a whole different generation where times were hard compared to the things of this generation where things are much easier. He dared them to take up the challenge of considering the profession of a government minister or something even higher.

He encouraged the graduates to reach for the stars.

“When I was your age and in your class, I had no idea, dream or thought that I would be a Minister or an entrepreneur. You have to dream big, reach for the stars, believe it and you can achieve it.”

He informed the students that he was not lucky enough to pass the Primary 5 exams on the first try, but he tried again and was successful. “It is not the end of the road if you fail, you can get up, dust off and go again and you too can do well. Look at me and see where I am.”

Following Hon. Vanterpool’s remarks, Guest Speaker of the graduation, Hip-Hop artist turned Gospel artist/ Pastor at the Emanuel Baptist Church, Pastor Carlton O’Neal told the students to always ask for help, no matter what the dream is.

In similarities to Hon. Vanterpool’s remarks to the students, Pastor O’Neal told the students that he was once where they are and had wished that someone had come and told him inspirational words about the future and to keep his head high.

Mr. O’Neal, who is also a member of the class of 1992 from the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, told the 2012 graduating class that everyone who takes a new road in their lives need help. He added that secondary school is no different.

“Let God be your source of help and put God first in everything you do.”

In repeating after Pastor O’Neal, the graduates shouted ‘I need help’.

By doing this, he took the word help and broke it down into an acronym that can aid them in their future endeavours.

With letter ‘H’ representing humbleness, he told the students to always show respect to those in authority over them.

Letter ‘E’ represented enthusiasm. “You have to have passion in anything you do, and that passion comes from knowing your purpose.”

‘L’ was the acronym for listening. He advised them to always listen and do it attentively.

The final letter P stood for patience, where he told the students to never give up and be patient to reap their rewards.

Out of a total of 94 graduates, 34 students were awarded Grade 1 certificates, leaving 60 students receiving Grade 2 certificates.

The Salutatorian of ASPS was Deondra Frett, who also placed 2nd in Science in the Territory and earned a spot in the Territorial Top Twenty Students at number 15.

Valedictorian was Davindra O’Neal. As a result of Davindra’s Primary 5 exams, he placed 1st in Social Studies, 2nd in science in the territory and holds the 10th spot in the Territorial Top Twenty students.

Althea Scatliffe Primary School graduated two other students who were enlisted in the Territorial Top Twenty Students, They are Samuel Anthony #16 and Turryl Richards #20.

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