ESHS’s Valedictorian: Jay Z, 50 Cent & Lil Wayne must not define VI youths
In his speech, the top student of ESHS and the Territory, pointed to a disturbing precedent that has been set in today’s society.
“...[it is] a precedent that seems to suggest that in order to achieve true success one must be bombarded with life altering hardship, pain and tribulation. This is not so. In the Virgin Islands we must chose to cultivate success by ensuring a nurturing environment for our youths to grow,” he said.
The 17 year-old stated that he was one of the lucky ones because he had “both parents, food to eat, clothes on his back and transportation to school every morning.” But he noted by the media standards, his success pales in comparison to Jay Z, 50 Cent and Lil Wayne.
“What I have done simply can’t be compared because what I have done I did not have to sell drugs, join a gang or get shot. These guys must not define the young guys in our society,” he stressed.
Addressing the young men, the Valedictorian said he was initially overwhelmed with the accolades showered by men young and old, and he asked himself what was so special about his accomplishment.
“I simply worked hard, studied hard and stayed focused. What Jason [Williams Jnr.] and I have done, to me, was not a big a deal until I found out that the last time two young men achieved the position of Valedictorian and Salutatorian the same year was before I was even born. Jason and I are just the beginning, and we are positive that our success is not a fluke. However, the young men after us must choose to validate our success. I am sure the young men of the class of 2012 will agree with me when I reiterate that this is just the beginnng,” Maynard remarked.
He even quoted one of Martin Luther King’s Jnr. motivational saying that the ultimate measure of a man is not when he stands in the moment of comfort and convenience but when he stands in challenges and controversy.
“Right now men are faced with challenges and if we don’t face our full potential, our society will suffer. What kind of man will you be? In the VI we must chose to cultivate healthy family structures and nurture academic environment that nurtures the young men. We don’t need negative influences to impede the success of our young men and young ladies,” the Valedictorian added.
He credited his accomplishment to God, his parents, teachers and friends, and urged his fellow colleagues that success is not for the faint or weak at heart.
“...it is not for persons who think they want it or for those who kind of sort of believe that they could achieve some measure of greatness. It has been our sheer determination that has gotten us to this point.”
For their academic achievements, both Maynard and Williams Jnr. are the recipients of Government scholarships.
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