CLASS
OF 2000 [GIS PHOTO]
50 Graduate From HLSCC
"Straighten up and fly right!" That's the message from Education Minister the Honourable Eileene Parsons to present and future recipients of government scholarships. "If you are interested in getting an education, we stand ready to help; if you want to get away from home, come out here to play dominoes...disturb those who are serious, we will no longer facilitate you. The funding will disappear until you decide you're serious. By that time, you may well find that the funding is neither free nor easy to access. Those who have ears, let them hear!"
Hon. Parsons delivered the hard-hitting speech at the 7th graduation exercises hosted by the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on Thursday June 15th, 2000. She said she was sad and angry to see the wanton waste of the opportunity given to some students, who turn in the abysmal grades of 0.67, 0.91, 1.13 and 1.17. "I am sending the message loud and clear that maybe the magic carpet ride will soon be over and it could well be at the end of this semester." The Minister, who is also the Deputy Chair of the College Board of Governors, however had high praise for those scholarship students who maintain a grade point average of 2.5 and above. "They have realized that they owe themselves, their parents, their financial backers (the taxpayers), the obligation to do well." Mrs. Parsons' involvement in the College dates back to January 1989 when she staffed the College Project Office, later becoming Registrar/Bursar. She said the graduation is proof that at this institution, education not only takes place, but that there are serious students who are willing to buckle down and make full use of it.
In his introductory remarks, President of the HLSCC Dr. Charles Wheatley noted that the diversity represented in this graduating class mirrors the diversity that constitutes the British Virgin Islands society at the beginning of the 21st century. He said diversity is one of the characteristics that we must give special attention to at all levels, in order to succeed in today's complex society. "If we want quality tertiary education...the torch bearers must have a deep, genuine and sincere appreciation for diversity, cultural diversity, ethnic diversity, racial diversity, religious diversity and all the diversities." Dr. Wheatley said during the past ten years, the College had to acknowledge and respect this diversity, as they sought to negotiate and develop articulation and other affiliation with 4-year institutions. He said since 1990, the College has registered 3,845 students from various countries (beginning with an initial enrolment 135), awarded 129 Certificates and 197 Associate Diplomas and has had to communicate with 188 institutions on behalf of students. "We therefore strive to ensure that the diversity of our involvement is with the total community and that it transcends gender, ethnicity, race, religion, politics." To the graduates, he admonished them to let the world know that they have passed through this College by their attitude, work ethics and by their speech. He said he hoped these graduates would continue to enrich the life of the territory through dedicated quality service in every walk of life. The HLSCC President thanked the faculty and staff for their service and encouraged their continued support and that of the government, the public and other institutions.
Chairman of the College's Board of Governors, Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, reiterated his government's commitment to the HLSCC. He noted that in this, the College's 10th year, he is pleased to see and enjoy the fruits of the labour of all those who had a part to play in the establishment and maintenance of the institution. He also commended the graduates and wished them well. "You have realized the great value of this institution and you have made use of it...and today, you are reaping the benefits of the sacrifice you made...and of seizing the opportunity." Also attending the graduation were Dr. John Wallace, the Consultant on the establishment of the College in 1989 and former Board Member (and who also worked on the establishment of the College now University of the Virgin Islands in 1962) and Dr. Gordon Campbell, founding Board Member and founding President of Selkirk College, British Colombia, Canada. Dr. Campbell was the keynote speaker. He spoke to the community effort in establishing the HLSCC and noted that this is just the beginning and perhaps time to launch a firm, bold initiative for the year 2020. Speaking directly to the graduates, Dr. Campbell commented on the hallmarks of a liberally educated person, such as being able to listen, knowing how to be intellectually curious, how to cultivate the discipline of thinking, gear towards simplicity and generally be a positive person. By and large, he encouraged the students to continue to excel.
The University of the West Indies' graduating class of 2000 also participated in the June 6th exercise. UWI Resident Tutor Ian Austin addressed the importance of good relations to the human race. He said the University of the West Indies continues to be a perfect example of governments working together at the regional level to achieve the common goal of high quality education for their collective electorate. He said: "Relationships also exist at the institutional level...we at the University of the West Indies have a relationship with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College...we have maintained and established this strong working relationship...deepened and widened over time." Come next graduation, the UWI will have a physical presence on the Paraquita Bay Campus. Student Respondent Shawnea Maria Frett reminded her fellow graduates that this was the end of one phase and the beginning of another. She said they are leaving with pleasurable memories of College that will remain with them forever. "Our generation has a responsibility to the BVI; we must apply the knowledge from our courses in conjunction with the values from our culture to ensure that the BVI continues to be a place where the inhabitants can live in peace and harmony. It is up to us to be leaders in this new millennium; to help build a better place for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren." She challenged them to set their goals high and work hard to achieve them.
January 4th, 1990 marked the tenth anniversary of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. This milestone is being celebrated with a variety of events throughout the year. Celebratory activities so far included a Founder's Day Ceremony, an interdenominational church service and a fundraising/awards dinner. Other activities scheduled for August to December include recitals, sporting events, exhibitions and special lectures.