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Pelican Gate graduates first batch

- as the young school continues to make its mark in the academic development of the territory
Pelican Gate School school waved goodbye to its first ever batch of Grade Six students at its graduation and prize giving ceremony at the school’s compound in West End yesterday, July 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
The first ever Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Pelican Gate School, Kaeli A. Alphonso and Chad R. Willock. Photo: VINO
The first ever Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Pelican Gate School, Kaeli A. Alphonso and Chad R. Willock. Photo: VINO
The first ever graduates of the Pelican Gate School are Kaeli A. Alphonso, Chad R. Willock, Tahani Barnes, Kyre Edwards, Reaquan Garraway, and Shania Warner. Photo: VINO
The first ever graduates of the Pelican Gate School are Kaeli A. Alphonso, Chad R. Willock, Tahani Barnes, Kyre Edwards, Reaquan Garraway, and Shania Warner. Photo: VINO
Principal of the Pelican Gate School, Mrs Lois L. Freeman-Augustine with one of the high achievers of the Pelican Gate School. Photo: VINO
Principal of the Pelican Gate School, Mrs Lois L. Freeman-Augustine with one of the high achievers of the Pelican Gate School. Photo: VINO
Education Liaison to the school Ms Connie George, on behalf of Hon Myron V. Walwyn and others of the Education Ministry, extended well wishes to the graduating students and the school for a job well done. Her advice to the graduating students was to take time over the holidays to decide and write down what they would like happen for them in their secondary school life. Photo: VINO
Education Liaison to the school Ms Connie George, on behalf of Hon Myron V. Walwyn and others of the Education Ministry, extended well wishes to the graduating students and the school for a job well done. Her advice to the graduating students was to take time over the holidays to decide and write down what they would like happen for them in their secondary school life. Photo: VINO
Salutatorian Chad R. Willock recalled the patience and care exercised by his teachers at Pelican Gate School, especially when he was not the best behaved boy in class. As a means of gratitude, he urged his fellow graduating students to strive to continue to make the school proud by remembering and putting into practice what was taught to them. Photo: VINO
Salutatorian Chad R. Willock recalled the patience and care exercised by his teachers at Pelican Gate School, especially when he was not the best behaved boy in class. As a means of gratitude, he urged his fellow graduating students to strive to continue to make the school proud by remembering and putting into practice what was taught to them. Photo: VINO
And then it struck home for Valedictorian Kaeli A. Alphonso that she was really leaving Pelican Gate School! Photo: VINO
And then it struck home for Valedictorian Kaeli A. Alphonso that she was really leaving Pelican Gate School! Photo: VINO
Kaeli A. Alphonso with her proud parents. Photo: VINO
Kaeli A. Alphonso with her proud parents. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at the Pelican Gate School's graduation and prize giving ceremony on July 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at the Pelican Gate School's graduation and prize giving ceremony on July 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at the Pelican Gate School's graduation and prize giving ceremony on July 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
Some of the persons in attendance at the Pelican Gate School's graduation and prize giving ceremony on July 5, 2015. Photo: VINO
The teachers and other persons who contributed to the success of the school over the years were also recognised. Photo: VINO
The teachers and other persons who contributed to the success of the school over the years were also recognised. Photo: VINO
WEST END, Tortola, VI- When love and care abound saying goodbye is often hard to do and many times it was evident that Principal of the Pelican Gate School, Mrs Lois L. Freeman-Augustine was fighting back tears when the school waved goodbye to its first batch of grade six students at its graduation and prize giving ceremony at the school’s compound in West End yesterday, July 5, 2015.

The graduating students were Valedictorian Kaeli A. Alphonso, Salutatorian Chad R. Willock, Tahani Barnes, Kyre Edwards, Reaquan Garraway, and Shania Warner.

End of one successful phase

The event, which was attended by a number of persons, including First District Representative Hon Andrew A. Fahie, was not only a historical one but represented the end of one part of a successful journey for the school that, according to Mrs Freeman-Augustine, had its fair share of challenges.

The Principal also said it was an emotional time for her as she had become very attached to the students who she had seen grown in tremendous ways since their arrival at Pelican Gate. She said she never had any doubt that, academic wise, the students would do well in secondary school as they were leaving with a solid foundation but she once harboured concerns about how well they would fare as individuals with a positive and purposeful outlook in life when they move on.

She said she was reminded, however, by the very students graduating of what she had told them years ago about not wasting their lives. She, however, emphasised to the students to stay away from the “bad company” and make sure that you do not become the “bad influence”.

Hon Fahie said Pelican Gate is a school that is close to his heart and that it has grown from strength to strength with Ms Freeman-Augustine at the helm. The former Education Minister encouraged the graduating students to be themselves because, according to him, “an original is always worth more than a copy.”

Eloquent Val & Sal

Valedictorian Kaeli A. Alphonso, in her eloquent address to the audience and fellow graduating students, noted that she was faced with challenges but overcome as she was tenacious and called on students to be of same mind so they can keep focused on their goals. She also credited her success in elementary school to her loving, caring and supportive family.

Alphonso advised both graduands and those students remaining at Pelican Gate School to reach for the stars and don’t say “you can’t” as she noted those were words preached to her by her grandmother.

“Dreams don’t work unless you do,” she stated in closing with a quote from American author, speaker, and pastor, John C. Maxwell.

In similar confident and eloquent delivery, Salutatorian Chad R. Willock recalled the patience and care exercised by his teachers at Pelican Gate School, especially when he was not the best behaved boy in class. As a means of gratitude, he urged his fellow graduating students to strive to continue to make the school proud by remembering and putting into practice what was taught to them.

“We are leaving this level, class of 2015, with a healthy foundation. We have been molded by our experience here: Pelican Gate, a small school with big results! With the help of God, our parents and well wishers, let us take up the mantle and represent. Let us move to the next phase with humility and excitement,” Willock said.

Meanwhile, Education Liaison to the school Ms Connie George, on behalf of Hon Myron V. Walwyn and others of the Education Ministry, extended well wishes to the graduating students and the school for a job well done. Her advice to the graduating students was to take time over the holidays to decide and write down what they would like happen for them in their secondary school life.

“Whatever [school] you choose to attend be sure you are aiming for the highest,” noting that school work should always be number one for them. “Teachers will be there to assist you but more so you will have to do your part.” George also hailed Mrs Freeman-Augustine as a small woman in stature but a big woman in heart who goes more than the extra mile to ensure the Pelican Gate School is of a high standard.

Several students were also honoured for achieving a GPA of 3.0 and above.

In speaking of some of the accomplishments of the budding school, Principal Freeman-Augustine said the institution came out on top in the Spanish Bowl competition 2014, placed number one for small schools in the territory in track and field this year, “on the soccer field we don’t back down. They know to be prepared when they see Pelican Gate.”

Recently, Pelican Gate tied for first place in the Scotiabank Kiddies Cricket bowling skills competition.

18 Responses to “Pelican Gate graduates first batch”

  • just saying.. (06/07/2015, 10:39) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice the school has come a long way!
  • parent (06/07/2015, 10:42) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good luck to all students...
  • DON Q (06/07/2015, 11:14) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    God bless pelican gate
  • Nice (06/07/2015, 11:22) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats to you the graduates! Keep your heads on & push for the positive. On another note how long has this school been around? I never heard of it until a yr or so ago.
  • BVIslander (06/07/2015, 13:03) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations to my niece for placing so very high in academics, first graduation of Pelican Gate. Setting high standard for other to follow. Not only brains, but beauty. Your family of proud of you Kaeli..... nothing but Gods favor rest upon you.
  • Wellthen (06/07/2015, 13:38) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    First I heard about this school. I like the out door style take you back to the olden days.
    Something new for the BVI. However where in West End this school is located?
    • Linda (06/07/2015, 15:52) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Its sort of difficult to locate. There is a road on your right just before you reach big ben's superette in west end. keep driving up a dirt road and you will find it on your left with a sign. you cant miss it because you will come to a dead end at the school.
  • .... (06/07/2015, 13:41) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great job chad...
  • Steve A... (06/07/2015, 14:30) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats again to the graduating class… To the teachers, job well done! To the parents, supporting cast and well-wishers, you guys were awesome! Teacher Lois, continue to press on…
  • 123 (06/07/2015, 16:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Amazing job grads
  • Enjoy (06/07/2015, 18:25) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    It was indeed a lovely ceremony yesterday. I wish the students much success going forward!
  • Proud Parent (06/07/2015, 19:45) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The graduation ceremony was a tribute to the hard work and commitment of the students, parents and teachers. Teacher Lois you did well... be proud of your achievement and God bless.
  • parent (06/07/2015, 20:01) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Seems like a really good school...considering...
  • Pleased (06/07/2015, 20:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    This school has great potential. Kudos to the lucky few that can be accepted. Tr Lois you gon have to expand soon!
  • Colleague (06/07/2015, 21:03) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Great job, Principal Augustine.
  • 1 (07/07/2015, 10:59) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    NOW HERE IS A SCHOOL MOVING FROM GOOD TO GREAT


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