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ESHS Valedictorian: 'It felt like my senior year had been totally stripped away’

- Alexia M. Penn is one of 127 ESHS students who graduated on August 6, 2020
Alexia M. Penn, the valedictorian of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) 2020 graduating class, is presented with a prize by Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, and Acting Chief Education Officer (CEO) Connie E. George. Photo: VINO
The Valedictorian of the Elmore Stoutt High School graduating class of 2020, Alexia M. Penn, is the daughter of Stephanie Russ-Penn and Broderick Penn and has been a high achiever throughout her years at ESHS. Photo: VINO
The Valedictorian of the Elmore Stoutt High School graduating class of 2020, Alexia M. Penn, is the daughter of Stephanie Russ-Penn and Broderick Penn and has been a high achiever throughout her years at ESHS. Photo: VINO
Some of the graduating students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on August 6, 2020. Photo: VINO
Some of the graduating students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on August 6, 2020. Photo: VINO
Some of the graduating students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on August 6, 2020. Photo: VINO
Some of the graduating students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) on August 6, 2020. Photo: VINO
Ready for the ESHS graduation motorcade! Photo: VINO
Ready for the ESHS graduation motorcade! Photo: VINO
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Alexia M. Penn, the Valedictorian of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) 2020 graduating class, has described her final years of secondary school as a roller-coaster ride.

Penn, along with 126 other students, graduated from the school in the first drive-in graduation ceremony at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) grounds in Paraquita Bay on Thursday, August 6, 2020.

She pointed to the 2017 August floods and subsequent hurricanes Irma and Maria and now the global pandemic.

“As I reflected on our almost unrealistic, unimaginable, and unexpected high school experiences, my mind found itself riding the loops and turns of a roller-coaster. My dreams of 12th grade with my peers, planning activities, creating the best year ever slowly faded away and to be honest it felt for months like my senior year had been totally stripped away,” she said.

“But, then I remembered our perseverance, I remembered our endurance, and my once excited spirit had been restored. The Class of 2020 endured …we did it,” she stated.

Penn is the daughter of Stephanie Russ-Penn and Broderick Penn and has been a high achiever throughout her years at ESHS. She was also the top performer for Grade 9 at ESHS.

Graduates did well

Addressing the ceremony, Principal Vanessa K. Garraway commended the students for doing well despite all odds.

“This afternoon, I am pleased to share that of the 127 graduates, there are 72 honour students and 13 high honour students, together representing 59 per cent of the class. Twenty of our 12th-grade students met the requirements to take college English and Mathematics in their final year, earning them college credits. For the very first time this school year, 10 of our students were early admittance students at the HLSCC. There they were full-time students completing at least 12 credits each semester while still completing their graduation requirements at ESHS and reaping success in both ventures,” she pointed out.

She said the students have proven to be “a resilient and determined set of people as you put in the necessary work through the tough times and have succeeded.”

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), along with Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), offered congratulatory remarks to the students virtually.

“You have a lot to be proud of, and everyone is proud of you. Many obstacles came in your way in the last few years, but you overcame them and today victory is yours,” the Premier said.

Dr Wheatley said: “Class of 2020 go forth and blaze your trail and know that we are extremely proud of you.”

7 Responses to “ESHS Valedictorian: 'It felt like my senior year had been totally stripped away’”

  • Faithful (07/08/2020, 09:49) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats, Ms Penn. Beauty & Brains - an excellent mix. Stay focused throughout your college education. You are deemed for success. Congrats also to the rest of the graduates.
  • school children (07/08/2020, 09:57) Like (2) Dislike (27) Reply
    Heard there is issues on who should have been sal and Val
  • Lily Ann (07/08/2020, 10:24) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Girl relax yourself, u got your papers and they wont degrade for upcoming acheivements....
  • Ms. R (07/08/2020, 10:30) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations going out to ESHS 2020 valedictorian, May God continue to bless and guide you. Best wishes on the next chapter of your journey.
  • Eagle Eye (07/08/2020, 11:38) Like (11) Dislike (5) Reply
    I bet they still teaching that Columbus bull sh&& in there and nothing about the real african history.
  • ESHS Class of 2020 (07/08/2020, 12:25) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to the entire class of 2020. I pray that God will order your steps for great success.
  • student of school (08/08/2020, 18:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good gtaduation but things needs to be checked and changed the one who up on stage in she flowing blue frock needs to go home it is time blue frock is only for who she for teachers daycare ioeratirs catching hell with blue frock the minister needs to get a new CEo time is up let blue frockdo justice and stop her bias ans badminded ways


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