The beaming trio: Valedictorian Edwards, Salutatorian Stewart and Chinnery at yesterday’s graduation, July 1, 2012. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO

The JVD Methodist church was packed to capacity with family and friends. Photo: VINO

At a graduation and prize giving ceremony held at the JVD Methodist Church Sunday July 1, 2012, the 13 year-old told his fellow graduates that “our lives are messages to the world, make sure it’s inspiring...education is not for now or today, it’s a never ending process.”

Edwards, along with Sabrina Stewart, the Salutatorian and Rashid Chinnery beamed with pride as they now venture into the tertiary level of their education. Two other students did not make the cut.

The Valedictorian, who received a plethora of trophies, money and an Ipad, congratulated his fellow graduates and thanked Ms. Stewart for challenging him to work harder. He also acknowledged his parents; Principal Marva Martin; Teachers Charles Stay and Desiree Gomez and Guidance Counsellor Sylvester Smith for his success.

To the community the young man stated, “Thank you for planting positive seeds with your words.”

Meanwhile, Rochelle Smith, the keynote speaker, gave the graduates tips on how to navigate through High School, and as a former teacher, she stressed that excellence is the key.

The former JVD student noted that excellence is not being perfect. “Don’t get it in your head that pursuing excellence doesn’t mean never making mistakes or your life has to be perfect in order for you to be excellent. Don’t use your less than perfect circumstances as an excuse.”

Ms. Smith also pointed out that being excellent is not easy and while students may find it easy to lime, text, surf the internet and follow the crowd in disruptive and negative behaviours, hard work is a major factor.

Furthermore, she added that being excellent is about attitude and a habit, and urged the graduates to remember those tips and “make them a part of you as you make your parents and teachers proud.”

Principal Martin congratulated the students of their accomplishments and told them, “A job well done.”

Likewise, in his message to the graduates, Minister for Education and Culture, who was not in attendance, said “I would like to extend hearty congratulations to you the Jost Van Dyke graduating class of 2012. Your commitment to excellence has paid off and today you stand ready to be recognised for your success at the primary level. I implore you to embrace a world full of infinite opportunities as you celebrate your well-deserved achievement.”

Meanwhile, 2nd District Representative Hon. Alvin Christopher, who could not attend for medical reasons, also sent a congratulatory message to the Principal, staff and students which stated, “This is always an exciting time in the life of our students. Your hard work and dedication in training our children for these examinations has certainly not gone unnoticed.”

Lorraine Callwood chaired the ceremony, while Reverend Jeanty Maurose delivered the invocation and benediction. The school choir and dance group provided entertainment.

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