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‘Live with purpose, in purpose & on purpose’- ESHS graduates told

-159 Grade 12 ESHS students exit school
159 Grade 12 students of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) graduated at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on June 22, 2017. Photo: VINO
The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) graduating Class of 2017 represented the Territory’s first batch of students since the implementation of the controversial 12th Grade. Photo: VINO
The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) graduating Class of 2017 represented the Territory’s first batch of students since the implementation of the controversial 12th Grade. Photo: VINO
Valedictorian Kelliann K. Freeman emerged as the second place finisher in the Territory and top student of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), with a perfect GPA of 4.07. Photo: VINO
Valedictorian Kelliann K. Freeman emerged as the second place finisher in the Territory and top student of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), with a perfect GPA of 4.07. Photo: VINO
The Elmore Stoutt High School recorded a 98% pass rate, with 159 students successfully achieving all requirements to graduate. Photo: VINO
The Elmore Stoutt High School recorded a 98% pass rate, with 159 students successfully achieving all requirements to graduate. Photo: VINO
Mrs Sandy M. Underhill, Principal of Elmore Stoutt High School, leaving a congratulatory message said, ‘Class of 2017, you have been given wings. Now you must fly and soar as high as the heavens’. Photo: VINO
Mrs Sandy M. Underhill, Principal of Elmore Stoutt High School, leaving a congratulatory message said, ‘Class of 2017, you have been given wings. Now you must fly and soar as high as the heavens’. Photo: VINO
Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture, encouraged the graduates to apply what they have learned throughout the past six years to propel them into a future that they will be proud of. Photo: VINO
Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, Minister for Education and Culture, encouraged the graduates to apply what they have learned throughout the past six years to propel them into a future that they will be proud of. Photo: VINO
Ki'eyra Dawson who placed third overall at Elmore Stoutt High School, was awarded with the Tourism grant for the highest achievement in Tourism. Photo: VINO
Ki'eyra Dawson who placed third overall at Elmore Stoutt High School, was awarded with the Tourism grant for the highest achievement in Tourism. Photo: VINO
The keynote speaker was international gospel recording artist Ashaala Shanae Jenkins who advised the graduates to never give up on their passion and to always work hard no matter what the circumstances are in life. Photo: VINO
The keynote speaker was international gospel recording artist Ashaala Shanae Jenkins who advised the graduates to never give up on their passion and to always work hard no matter what the circumstances are in life. Photo: VINO
 Leader of the Opposition and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie presented his daughter, Kedisha Fahie with her diploma. She graduated with honours and as a dual enrollment student. Photo: VINO
Leader of the Opposition and First District Representative, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie presented his daughter, Kedisha Fahie with her diploma. She graduated with honours and as a dual enrollment student. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Resilient, talented and hardworking are some of the words that can be used to describe the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) graduating Class of 2017; the Territory’s first batch of students since the implementation of the controversial 12th Grade.

The graduating class of 2017 was overjoyed as the students closed one chapter of their lives during the graduation ceremony held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on June 22, 2017 under the theme 'Through It All, Still We Rise.'

Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Education and Culture, in his congratulatory message, encouraged the graduates to apply what they have learned throughout the past six years to propel them into a future that they will be proud of.

“When faced with tough decisions, you must take decisive action and get things done. You cannot sit and wait for all the ducks to line up because the ducks may never live up. Therefore, you should just have to go forward,” remarked Honourable Walwyn as he fired away at his critics of the hastily implemented programme.

98% pass rate

The Elmore Stoutt High School recorded a 98% pass rate, with 159 students successfully achieving all requirements to graduate. Of those students, 4 received high honours and 71 received honours. Three students did not meet the criteria to graduate.

Kelliann K. Freeman emerged as the second place finisher in the Territory and top student of ESHS, with a perfect GPA of 4.07.

Leaders of ‘today’

In his congratulatory remark, Premier and Minister for Finance, Dr The Honorable D. Orlando Smith (AL) told the graduates that it is what ensues after graduation that is going to determine the quality of the lifelong benefits they will achieve.

Mrs Connie E. George, Acting Chief Education Officer, congratulated the graduates on a job well done. “You are the leaders not of tomorrow but of today.”

A musical selection by the ESHS Senior Concert Band; “Disney at the Movies” by John Higgins was beautifully executed as the patrons, students, teachers and dignitaries rocked to the music.

‘You have been given wings’

Mrs Sandy M. Underhill, Principal of Elmore Stoutt High School, leaving a congratulatory message said, “Class of 2017, you have been given wings. Now you must fly and soar as high as the heavens.

“You are products of the Elmore Stoutt High School, which means class of 2017 you have been tried and tested.”

Following the congratulatory message from the principal, awards were given to Valedictorian Kelliann K. Freeman; Valedictorian and Salutatorian Daniella Mourillon. They received exemplary performance awards for maintaining an “A” average every year and every term from Grades 7-12.

All about purpose

The keynote speaker was international gospel recording artists Ashaala Shanae Jenkins, a product of the [British] Virgin Islands primary and high school system, and a graduate of the University of Miami; where she obtained degrees in Music Business and Music Education.

Ms Jenkins advised the graduates to never give up on their passion and to always work hard no matter what the circumstances are in life.

“I want you to live with purpose, in purpose and on purpose. Don’t let anyone deter you from what you’re passionate about and what your purpose is. Have fun in life. If you make mistakes get back up and do it all over again but work hard, succeed, make plans and make sure that everything that you do you have accountability in everything.”

Student respondent, Ms Kelliann K. Freeman, in her closing remarks, encouraged her fellow graduates to strive for greatness and keep pushing beyond expectations.

15 Responses to “‘Live with purpose, in purpose & on purpose’- ESHS graduates told”

  • facts man (23/06/2017, 09:45) Like (6) Dislike (8) Reply
    12th grade was not needed i had one of the students fill out a job application and she was not better off
  • Evelyn (23/06/2017, 09:46) Like (20) Dislike (1) Reply
    The ceremony was to long. After 8:00pm come on planners. Give the speakers a maximum time to deliver a tight precise message. Focus on the graduates. This is their day, their moment and not that of those who have axe to grind. Congratulations to all 2017 graduates especially these men and woman whom I consider my own since I am also a product of the VI education system.
    • an extra year and extra time (23/06/2017, 11:33) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
      talkin for too long the onliest speaker it needed was the girl who spoke about the village that raised her
  • ex student (23/06/2017, 09:56) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    I wish them all well as life in the bvi is not an easy road
  • good luck (23/06/2017, 10:40) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    I wish those kids good luck and success in life. Now that they ar finally out from under the paws of the government, they can finally make their own decisions and chose their own paths in life.
  • too long (23/06/2017, 10:42) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply

    A lot of what was said could have been in a newsletter. A lot of accomplishments and I am so proud. My kids are very interested in archery however, it is rather difficult to attend the sessions on weekend because we live in a remote area and have no transportation. What ever happened to the archery supplies afforded to the ESHS? I recall that the 2 public high schools received donations.
    Oh, that's right, the equipment was stolen. They neglected to mention this little fact as the were reeling off the many accomplishments.
    So here we are in a predicament. No equipment but taking credit where it should be due elsewhere. 
    Signed: A Fed the hell up Parent

    • Rick (23/06/2017, 13:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      No worries the matter is being dealt with b the police.
    • Jerry (23/06/2017, 22:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Some Ministers will never be Premier as they cannot govern without being toxic and vindictive.

  • one eye (23/06/2017, 12:18) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    We were waiting on funny man to talk
  • Okay now (23/06/2017, 12:27) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    I still maintain the 12 grade was a waste put in at the primary school yall
  • farmer brown (23/06/2017, 22:46) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Do children in the BVI not deserve to be safe, get adequate nutrition, receive quality health care, obtain a good education, have an opportunity to advance in society, and ultimately become a productive citizen?
  • please (23/06/2017, 23:06) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is nothing more than a staged production with a fore drawn conclusion; just a ploy to keep stringing the voters along and ensure Walwyn's re-election by casting him as an NDP with a conscience. We will not be fooled
  • Just observing (24/06/2017, 19:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need people who truly care about youths. Not to use youths for self- promotion.


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