Zoyia T. Ettienne is the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School’s top student, with a perfect GPA of 4.3. Photo: VINO

Salutatorian, Shania N. Sabaroche, who made 87.6% and a GPA of 4.0. Photo: VINO

The BVI Seventh-day Adventist School recorded a 100% pass rate, with all 27 students recording Grade Ones in their 2016 School Leaving Exams. Photo: VINO

Principal Wade W. Tobin attributes the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School’s continued success to the love and care demonstrated to the students by their teachers, combined with the philosophy of integrating faith and learning. Photo: VINO/File

“I studied a lot, I went to God a lot,” the aspiring Paediatrician shared with Virgin Islands News Online in an exclusive interview.

The Valedictorian for the school’s graduation exercise, to be held on July 3, 2016 on the lawns of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Paraquita Bay, had a perfect GPA of 4.3, having recorded a total 91.9% at her exams.

“This is what I was aiming for so I am very happy that I have achieved that. It means a lot and I hope that when I further my education I will still have the same goals and I hope to achieve the same things in college,” said Ettienne, who is seeking to attend the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College before moving off to a university overseas.

Ettienne had much appreciation for her parents who she said were always encouraging her. “Also my aunt, and of course my teachers, because anytime I had a problem they were willing and able to assist me,” Ettienne said, adding that they all were really excited for her. “They had just wanted me to do my very best and are very happy with what I have achieved.”

The top student also had gratitude to the Principal of the school, Mr Wade W. Tobin. “He is a very nice principal.”

Time Management & God

As for the school, Ettienne said it has taught her to work with deadlines. “They always give us a deadline for everything that we do, also time management. Spiritually, they taught us what we needed to be like and what to expect in life, and that is to be closer to God.”

But Ettienne admitted that she had to overcome her own challenges. “Sometimes you felt like you were not getting to study enough and that it wasn’t getting into your brain.”

Asked why she wants to become a Paediatrician, Ettienne, whose favourite subject is Biology, said she has a passion for helping children. “I feel like that is where my heart is and that is what I want to do.”

Leaving some advice for the remaining students of the school, Ettienne told them to be determined and put their faith and trust in God. “Even though it seems hard just keep on going. As longs as you keep God in the midst and make sure you focus on your academics you can do it.”

Salutatorian- Shania N. Sabaroche

Virgin Islands News Online also caught up with the Salutatorian, Shania N. Sabaroche, who made 87.6% and a GPA of 4.0.

Sabaroche said she was not surprised at the results as she had put in the hard work.

“Hard work, determination, overcoming procrastination, I pushed through it because I like being on top where my school work is concerned. What you do now affects your future,” a wise Sabaroche disclosed.

She added that she did have some challenges keeping up with the many School Based Assessments (SBAs) and examinations in preparation for CXC.

“Never give up. Work hard and don’t let anything deter you from pushing,” are what Sabaroche has learnt from her experience at the school and which she now shares with the other students of the school.

Sabaroche now wants to major in Bio-Chemistry and minor in Psychology at a tertiary institution as she pursues her dream of becoming a Paediatric Oncologist, which is a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating children with cancer. “I believe today that cancer is very common, so I would like to make a different and help people.”

What is the Secret for BVI SDA School’s success?

The BVI Seventh-day Adventist School recorded a 100% pass rate, with all 27 students recording Grade Ones in their School Leaving Exams.

Eighteen (18) of the students made the Honour Roll students, with five (5) achieving High Honours.

Last year the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School had produced the territory’s top student, Ms Zora S. Williams.

The school had also achieved 100% pass rate, with all the students receiving Grade Ones in all their subject areas.

Principal Tobin attributes the school’s continued success to the love and care demonstrated to the students, combined with the philosophy of integrating faith and learning, “where we show and demonstrate to students that God is the centre of all that we do.”

“Of course we live in a society where we realise the challenges that students have and so the approach is to nurture these individuals and share with them real life experiences, that even though they have weaknesses and that there are challenges out there, they can accomplishment anything,” Mr Tobin stated.