Some of the BVI High School 2002 Graduates [photo by Angela Burns-Piper]

151 graduate from BVI High School

Under tight security to ensure the safety of the students and the smooth 
flow of the ceremony, the BVI High School held its graduation and prize 
giving at the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall on Thursday June 27th, under the 
theme “Looking Towards the Future”.

Guards from Top Priority Security Services were at every entrance to 
prevent persons from taking food or drink, even water, into the Cultural 
Centre. Chairperson Sonia Webster from the Class of 1982 also announced 
from the onset that nothing should be passed to the graduates.
One hundred and fifty one students made up the BVI High School Class of 
2002. There to support them were members of the Classes of 1952, 1982 and 1992.

Class of 2002 Salutatorian Ansara Sattaur said it was no easy task getting 
to this stage. She said it was a privilege to gain their secondary 
education at the BVIHS and she thanked all those who contributed to their 
educational development.

To her fellow graduates she said: “Graduation is only a concept. Everyday 
you graduate. It’s process that goes on until the last day of your life. 
You’re now at the crossroads; some of us will go on to College, some will 
go out to work, yet some are undecided…whatever you do, stay on track.”
Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal brought congratulatory 
remarks. He mentioned that he was pleased to see so many boys graduating, despite the negative comments often made about boys making mischief and he encouraged them to continue studying.

The Chief Minister asked the Chief Education Officer to ensure that a copy 
of all the Primary and Secondary school results are sent to every Member of the Legislative Council and to the Director of Human Resources. “I’m made to understand that there’ll be a new dimension in this department where they will be responsible for succession planning and placement of people and building careers for youth coming out of College and they should be aware of what our students are doing.”

Hon. O’Neal reiterated a challenge he issued some years ago for past 
students to take responsibility in helping to develop their alma mater. He 
acknowledged government’s role in the process, but said parents, citizens, 
old scholars etc. must play a part.

Acting Chief Education Officer Dr. Quincy Lettsome pointed out that the 
first graduation ceremony of this type was held on the campus of the BVIHS in 1972, making this year’s the 30th. He said as the Pearl graduation class of 2002, the Department would give them a token for good performance.

In her valedictorian’s address, Angela Burnett-Penn had words of 
encouragement for her fellow students who did not graduate. She urged them to take summer make-up courses, while she also encouraged her fellow graduates to further their education.

“I am leaving the BVI High School with so many fabulous memories,” she 
declared, highlighting memories of sports days, school concerts, the choir, 
steel pan, arts and craft and most of all time spent with her friends. She 
thanked her teachers for “doing much more than they had to at times” and 
said they were “helpful, inspiring and special”.

The valedictorian endorsed a project formally launched by the Class of 1982 
for the establishment of a trade school in the BVI, “so that students will 
not be disadvantaged because a book is not the thing for them.” She also 
called for a more extensive curriculum at the BVIHS to include drama, 
environmental studies and sports, in an effort to offer students a more 
total experience.

Miss Burnett-Penn made mention of the disciplinary problems at the school 
and spoke of a need for students to acquire more social skills. “We are 
losing our unity and spirit.” She told the students that a lot depends on 
them and she challenged them to recommit themselves to the BVI High School.

Principal Elmore Stoutt was pleasantly surprised when student Verlin Crabbe singled him out for his invaluable contribution to their educational 
development and presented him and wife, on behalf of the Class of 2002, 
tickets for a first class cruise. “I always knew there was something 
special about the Class of 2002,” the Principal declared.

Mr. Stoutt announced the winners of the exemplary performance awards for 
students with an “A” average from Forms 1-5. They are Angela Burnett-Penn, Ansara Sattaur, Kiprion Harry, Kia Thomas, Brandon Frett and Yenny Flores-Wells. He also thanked the sponsors for donating the prizes.

In his congratulatory message, Minister of Education and Culture Hon. 
Andrew Fahie noted that this year the school attained a significant 
increase in the number of passes at the Grade 1 level. He said this 
milestone achievement tells us that our teachers care.

“The recent spate of violence at the school is well known and I call upon 
all to help find a workable solution…Let it be known that this Minister 
will not give up on our students, good, bad or indifferent,” he declared.
The guest speaker for the BVI High School graduation ceremony was local 
businessman Mr. Keith Malone of the Class of 1982. He became emotional 
while he specifically addressed the young men as he recalled a recent visit 
to the prison. “Far too many of our young men are locked up in prison…My 
advise to you is to put mind over matter and say no to bad company.”
To the young ladies, he recognized that they are at times faced with the 
same and more social problems. “Too many of you are becoming mothers too soon! What is the rush? I urge you to say no to anyone who gets in the way of your education.”

Mr. Malone told the graduates that they have invested a lot of time and 
effort thus far and now is not the time to cash out. He encouraged them to 
reinvest, continue furthering their education and keep the BVI’s 
educational system at a level where it needs to be.

According to him, the Class of 1982 recognized the need for a trade school 
in the BVI. He said they are pleased with government’s plan to establish 
such a school and said they hope execution will be soon.

The Class of 1982 formally launched a trust fund and contributed the first 
$10,000. In accepting the donation, Chief Minister O’Neal challenged each 
member of the Legislative Council to match those funds. He said the 
contribution from the Class of 1982 was “gratefully received and will be 
faithfully applied.”