Governor Boyd McCleary presents the plaque to Mrs. Jennie Wheatley yesterday Monday October 10, 2011

At a ceremony held at the school yesterday Monday October 10, 2011 where the school also launched the Star Chasers Book Club to coincide with Reading is Fun Week observed from October 9 through October 15, Mrs. Jennie Wheatley received the honouree plaque from Governor William Boyd McCleary who described her as a culture bearer.

The Governor told the students gathered for the ceremony that reading is not just important to them but it can also be fun as well and that he was pleased to be part of such an event.
In her response after receiving the honour, Mrs. Wheatley said when she used to brush off the books in the school’s library years ago, she didn’t foresee being honoured.

The author of several Virgin Islands literature said she was also thankful to be having been able to make some contribution to local books in the Territory.

She told students that while there is technology available, without being able to read they will be lost if they cannot read signs. She further told them that reading helps to build their writing and implore them to continue reading.

Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Andrew Fahie was also present at the ceremony and related his interactions with Mrs. Wheatley during his days as a student of the then BVI High School when she was a teacher and helped to motivate him to read and help him to become who he is today.

He said the honour bestowed upon her was well-deserved and she is a portion of the cornerstone of the VI’s education system.
Speaking particularly to the importance of reading, the education minister told students that they should read anything. “Reading is key and what will take you from rags to riches.”

Students of the Elmore Stoutt High School have been implored to place more emphasis on reading and to join the book club

He further told the students that once they can read they will open their lives to successes and great things.
Minister Fahie further encouraged the students not the put any limitations on reading as the sky is not the limit in what they can achieve through reading.

He further urged them to not only read what is related to them but other things as well and to set a goal for themselves to read one or two books per week at their level or above.

Meanwhile, Principal of the Elmore Stoutt High School Melissa Amey encourage the students to read more so that it can be reflected in their school work and urged them to join the book club.
Reading is Fund Week is held under the theme “Reading: the Power of Education”.