Forbidden City, Beijing China. Photo: supplied

The Great Wall of China. Photo: supplied

Ms. Baly’s personal dedication, focus and academic excellence earned her a 4.0 GPA during her first year at Lee University and joined the world’s best and brightest university students on a journey of discovery to one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The Program in China, allowed students to network and learn from their Chinese counterparts at Jiaotong University Medical School, a clinic in Yuxia, and see ancient medicine in practice at the Guang An Men Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. They also engaged in career-focused study detailing the history and global impact of medicine — all while broadening their horizons in a foreign culture.

Ms. Baly credits her recent achievements to the solid foundation laid by the BVI educational system and the financial support by the Government of the Virgin Islands. She received an academic scholarship upon graduation from St. George’s Secondary School in 2010 and graduated with high honours from the H. Lavity Stout Community College in 2012.

She firmly believes that the discipline, structure and competitive environment at St. George’s catapulted her desire to want to achieve excellence, whilst the Phi Theta Kappa Honour programme; guidance and support from faculty and staff and the high standards at HLSCC equipped her with the necessary tools to attain success. The financial assistance by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the New Testament Church of God were also instrumental in ensuring that her dreams were realized, not forgetting the support of her family and the BVI community which she noted are critical components to her success in life.

Adorya who is also a former Miss BVI Hal Jackson Talented Teen says she looks forward to returning to the BVI to make a significant contribution to the Virgin Islands and to pay homage to a community that has already given her so much.

President of HLSCC Dr. Karl Dawson congratulated Ms. Baly on her recent achievements and on the heels of the 2013 HLSCC’s graduation exercise on Thursday, took the opportunity to encourage all students to strive for excellence. “Whilst we are expected to do our part as educators you too have an opportunity to make an impact on this world by maintaining a positive attitude, being grateful for the opportunities that are afforded to you and making your dreams a reality.