There have been many school graduations in Anguilla over the past two weeks or so, but the most celebrated has been the graduation of the Sixth Form Class of of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School on Thursday, July 2, at the Teachers’ Resource Centre.

Graduates at the Teachers' Resource Centre

The proud graduates are the “cream of the cream,” otherwise expressed as “cream of the crop” having attained a high standard of education at secondary level. Depending on their choice of subjects, and the passes gained in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), many of them are expected to be awarded Associate Degrees in Business Administration and General Studies. Many of them too are expected to eventually further their studies at tertiary institutions abroad to add to the already long list of Anguillian professionals in various fields of academic learning.

The main sections of the audience at the Graduation Ceremony

It was a beautiful setting and programme for the graduation ceremony attended by scores of people including Government and education officials, parents and others from across the island. Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, said in congratulating the students that the presence of the large crowd was indicative of the importance attached to their success after seven years of secondary education, two of which were spent in Sixth Form.

The main sections of the audience at the Graduation Ceremony

“You must continue to prepare yourselves,” he advised the graduating students. “This will allow you to grasp the opportunities which may come your way…The theme for this year’s graduation, Climbing to Higher Heights, shows that this [graduation] is not an end to itself but that you aspire to even greater accomplishments. Let this theme continue to serve as a motivator for you in planning to reach the top.”

Mr. Rogers continued: “There are certain values that I want you to continue to hold dear as you continue to climb life’s ladder. Cooperation, commitment, dedication, hard work and preparation should have been virtues emphasised during your schooling at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School. You must go forward with that high level of confidence and self-esteem that was instilled in you during those years.” In urging them to continue to aim at excellence in their future educational plans, he reminded the students of the ‘five ps’- Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Mr. Brooks

The keynote speaker was Anguillian Architect, Vanburn Brookes, a past student at the Comprehensive School and a graduate of City College of New York. In an eloquent address, softened with humour and other pleasantries, he told the graduate to “dig deep” in building a good footing in education. “As an architect, I lay claim to the notion that a building is only as strong as its foundation,” he stressed. “No matter how high you may endeavour to climb, the heights that you wish to achieve, if you don’t have a solid foundation you will never attain those heights.

“To prevent a fall from grace and stabilise your vertical accent, you must dig deep and embed your foundation in six basic principles: remember your roots; pursue your purpose; cultivate your compassion; practice your philosophy; guard against greed; and humble your heart.” He also had some useful words of advice to teachers whom he told that their profession was a noble one and urged them to pursue their purpose though faced by many challenges. He advised parents to position themselves either above or below their children on the ladder of life: above, reaching and pulling them up, or below, shouting words of encouragement or cheering them on.

Mrs. Lake

Principal of the School, Mrs. Ingrid Lake, said that while the students had disappointed their teachers in some respects, they had made them proud in many ways. She hoped that their experience during the past two years would positively transform their thoughts into action. She called on them to remain focus as they strove to enhance their personal growth and development.

Hon. Evans Rogers

“Class, I want you to know that we love you. We will always love you. You have learnt from us and we have learnt from you. We are happy that we have had the opportunity to touch your life and trust that your experience has been a pleasant one,” Mrs. Lake told the students on behalf of her teaching colleagues.

The certificates and awards were presented to the students by the Principal assisted by Wesley Williams, a teacher at the school. Others who participated in the event included English Language Teacher, Vanessa John, who chaired the proceedings.

Class of 2009 in song

The Sixth Form Class of 2009 comprised Olufunmike Banks-Devonish, Kareem Bradley, Roxana Brooks, Shantel Carbon, Shamita Charlery, Alvaro Connor, Ronsford Connor, Chrystal Duncan Jerrice Fleming, Glynessia Franklin, Caffin FreemAn, Quinson Gumbs, Taryn Gumbs, Wandaila Gumbs, Davon Halley, Calyn Harrigan, Jordesha Hodge, Thrishina Hodge, Selwyn Horsford, Jennifer Mussington, Melissa Mussington, Mervil Nisbett, Rohan Petty, De-Leon Richardson, Marva Richardson, Shakaro Richardson, Amanda Romney, Jahia Semeria-Esponsito, Ojeda Vanterpool, Arthur Ward, Krystal Webster, Krystie Webster and Cleve Whyte.

Unfortunately nine of the students did not meet graduation criteria, according to a programme note.

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