129 Graduate from BVI High School

photo GIS/Rick Evans

The BVI High School graduated 129 students — of these, 31 received high honours and 17 got honours. There were 63 Grade I, 31 Grade II and 35 Grade III recipients.

The students officially ended their studies at the BVI High School on Thursday 24 June at their graduation ceremony. Dignitaries included His Excellency the Governor Mr. Thomas Macan and Mrs. Macan, the Chief Minister Dr. the Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Education Minister Hon. Lloyd Black and the Chief Education Officer, Mr. Angel Smith. Present at this year's graduation ceremony were graduates of the Classes of 1974, 1984, and 1994. This year’s chairperson was Mr. Joseph Abbott-Smith a graduate of the class of 1984.

Speaking at the function, Chief Minister Smith commended the graduates on behalf of the Government and the people of the Territory.  “You have made us all proud by staying focused on your academic goals and by staying away from the temptations of drugs and other forms of undesirable behaviour. Keep up the good work.”

The BVI Leader went on to say that his government will continue to put in place the framework for a stronger economy. And he told the graduates that they must recognize the possibilities this information age presents to them: they must take responsibility of contributing to the development of their territory in whatever way they can.

The salutatory address was delivered by Miss Kisha Frett, Salutatorian of the class of 2004. In her remarks Miss Frett said even before her completion of Primary School, she was challenged to walk in the footsteps of her brother Michael Frett who delivered his Salutatorian address four years ago. She stressed the importance of prayers and thanked God for bringing her this far. Miss Frett said she had a wonderful experience in high school and compared hers to those of the Prophet Ezekiel who ate a book and found it sweet. She said she spent hours feeding on her text books; she thanked her pre-school teachers, primary school teachers and her past BVI High School teachers. Kisha also thanked the Principal and assistant Principal of the BVI High School for enforcing the guidelines. The Salutatorian congratulated her fellow graduates; she told them that they have reached another milestone but there journey had only just begun. She also encouraged the younger students who were left behind to study hard.

Valedictorian Akilah Corbin was very emotional when she presented her speech. Tearfully she thanked her parents and the principal, she told the graduates to remember to give their parents a big hug.

She thanked the staff of the BVI High School, and she especially thanked the government of the BVI for seven reasons. One of the things she thanked the government of the BVI for, is the wonderful education she has received at the BVI High School which she said will put her at an advantage. Miss Corbin said that someday she hopes to give back to her community, and she admonished the graduates to keep praying and hoping, and reminded them that learning goes beyond the classroom.

Headmaster of the BVI High School, Mr. Elmore Stoutt acknowledged the school's three retiring teachers: Mrs. Yvonne Flores who contributed 24 years of service; Mrs. Olive Vanterpool who contributed 38 years of service - 30 years teaching primary and secondary school and eight years as a guidance councilor; and Mr. Lloyd Williams who devoted 30 years of teaching the primary and secondary level.  Mr. Stoutt also presented the special recognition award to students for superlative academic achievements. These students were awarded with laptop computers, printers, and scanners depending on their achievements. They were: Akilah Corbin, Kisha Frett, Dianne O'Neal, Quinson Thomas, Ryanne Ross, and Renee Rawlins.

Hon. Lloyd Black Minister for Education and Culture encouraged students to strive to meet their full potential; he also thanked the parents of the graduates, the Principal and the Assistant Principal, year heads and teachers.

The Minister encouraged the graduates to strive always to reach their fullest potential, adding, “you are not only worthy of it, but you owe it to yourselves and your forefathers, many of whom paved the way for the successful growth and development which we are experiencing today and which make this country of ours as great as it is.”

Hon. Black challenged the graduates to make their life count for something.  “It is important to recognize the importance of technology, education and of serving the community that makes education and a quality lifestyle available to us.”

The Valedictorian was presented a two year scholarship to The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The Salutatorian was presented the traditional Sir Olva Georges scholarship.

A few other students were awarded the national scholarships some of these scholarships were donated by the BVI Government, ZBVI, Class of 1984, Jostens, Aqua Designs, BVI Ltd, Social Security Board, Dr. Natalie Brewley and  Mr. Alred Frett, BVI Nursing Association, James Todman Construction, Althea Scatliffe Primary School.

The scholarship recipients were: Karina George Bobadilla, Ife Gaskins, Bevin George, Juanita George, Wilbert Chambers, Nadya George, Sheldon George , K.C. Ann  Creque , Kinta Donovan, Lloyd Duberry, Jareem Forbes, Anthony Frank, Shenel Freeman, Lavona Frett, Jessica Hendrington (book award.), Shaniqua Henley, Deshawn Hodge, Isha Hodge, Jemema Jackson, Dianne O'Neal, Shanika Maduro, Lionel Penn III, Renee Rawlins, Kharlton Richardson, Xavyrna Samuels, Quinson Thomas, Deja Vanterpool, Akiya Smith, Dereck Varlack, Antonias Hipplyote.