The 2012 graduating class of HLSCC consisted of 203 students. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Esteban Smith is the first recipient for several scholarships and VP for Phi Theta Kappa. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Professor Gossett Oliver shared with the graduates the criteria of being the best candidates for a job and removes the stigma from technical subjects. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

As the graduates of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) sat together for the last time as students of class 2012, speeches read by every speaker was a constant reminder to them, instilling that they are the future, their works have just begun and to embrace their skills so that themselves, their country and the region as a whole can benefit greatly from their pursued endeavours.

The HLSCC 19th graduation exercise commenced last evening, June 14, 2012, on the campus grounds, Paraquita Bay.
Keynote Speaker of the Ceremony, Professor Gossett Oliver, Vice President of the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship at the University of Technology in Jamaica (UTech), in congratulating the students, reminded them of an old saying, “Attitude Equals Altitude.”

Being graduates and recipients of different degrees, diplomas and certificates, Mr. Oliver noted that majority of the students are on the prowl of seeking employment, and as key note speaker he advises them on how to be the best candidate for any job.

In 16 points, he outlined the things employers are looking for in employees. “Being graduates and holders of certificates in your different fields, give you the advantage over so many others.”

He told them that having the ability to work, intelligence, self confidence, ability to accept responsibility, initiative, leadership, imagination, flexibility, interpersonal skills, self knowledge, ability to handle conflicts, competitiveness, goal achievement, vocational skills and direction will guarantee them any job locally or internationally.

As a product of Technical Vocational Education, Professor Oliver saw it fit to take advantage of the opportunity in making efforts to remove the stigma that generally lurks behind students of Technical Vocational learning and technical subjects.

“The technical field in the Caribbean needs more support, gone are the days where men and women only work with their eyes,” said the professor.

He advised the students that being able to succeed in both the technical and academic arena, makes them unstoppable in life to themselves, potential competitors in the job world and the unlimited careers that follow.

“Employers require the skills learned from both vocational and academic programmes. Persons are most successful when both vocational and academic learning are well integrated.”

Encouragement for VI males to further studies

In giving remarks at the ceremony, Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn shared his concerns and disapproval with the amount of males in the graduating class.

Of 203 students graduating from many different courses offered by the college, there were only 49 males.

“That was striking to me and tells me that through the Ministry of Education and Culture, we have much work to do in inspiring our young men to further their education and ensuring that at the college level, we have attractive course offerings to keep them off the streets and on a path to being productive members of our society.”

In light of this, the Minister informed the graduating class that their work has just begun, and their work to find a place in the world will never be over.

Walwyn stated that he will do his part in providing jobs for the local qualified population but it is their job to show their competence and ability to work by applying their skills learnt, whether at school or at home.

“As policy makers, we will do our best to protect opportunities for our local population, but it is your competence, your ability to perform well on the job, add value to that organisation, your ability to adapt to the culture, work productively with a variety of personalities and be a team player, is what will keep you on that job, help you find a career and improve your social and economic standing. We need you to become the next entrepreneurs, managers, skilled tradesmen, teachers, contractors, and public servants. We need to see some of you at the head of the main industries in this country, the industries of tourism and financial services.”

Hon. Walwyn encouraged the graduating class to be trend setters and role models in society in efforts to restore prominence to the Virgin Islands.

Meanwhile, Esteban Smith, graduate of General Studies English A level, was the recipient of the first Coca Cola and Guistewhite scholarship outside of the United States.

Smith is also the first Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa, located outside of the United States and Canada.

Receiving the President's Awards were: for achievement of the highest cumulative grade point average for full time students, Ms. Whitney Osborne and Monea Richardson.

For achievement of the highest cumulative grade point average for part-time students was Ms. Stephanie Cruz. For outstanding performance in Business Administration and Small Business Management, Naisha Donovan and the outstanding performance in Biology went to Chrysanta Creque Connors.

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