Sixteen students graduated from the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School on July 3, 2012 at a ceremony held at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom, Tortola. Photo: Javon Liburd/VINO

Decoy Mactavious past student of the school, advises students to expect their journeys to be filled with surprises. Photo: Javon Liburd/ VINO

Mactavious was the guest speaker at the graduation yesterday July 3, 2012, at the New Life Baptist Church in Duff’s Bottom.

In his inspirational speech to the 16 graduates, he stated that “Success is not measured by wealth but by happiness and accomplishments in life.”

He told the students that once they have accomplished their goals, it often brings a sense of pride, and happiness and wealth will eventually follow in the long run.

Mr. Mactavious continued by stating that success doesn’t just happen, but it is planned. He said that one has to be prepared, determined, persistent and focused.
“Successful people do not get to the top by sitting on their bottom.”

He advised the graduates to expect their journey to be filled with surprises, the good, the bad and the ugly ones. “People might bully and tease you, you’re going to feel peer pressure to try things or get involved with things that you do not need in your life.”

In agreeing with Mr. Mactavious, Hon. Myron Walwyn, speaking at his Alma Mata, encouraged the students to stay focused. Addressing the students who might not have done as well as the other students, he told them that nothing is wrong with them and that the experience should be a stepping stone for them.

“The race is not for the swift but for those who can endure.”

Hon. Walwyn advised the students to trust in the Lord, have faith and everything would be fine.

The Valedictorian of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School was Smeralda Avril, with the Salutatorian being Abdiel Mateo.

The ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Karia Christopher.