As the 2023 graduation season drew to a close over the past week, graduates from five high schools across the territory reflected on the skills they learned while adapting to online learning and facing all manner of other challenges. They also optimistically looked to the future.
“Don’t let the speed bumps stop you from continuing on your ride. If it’s one thing we know here in Virgin Gorda, it’s how to manoeuvre speed bumps,” valedictorian Jakeel Bowens joked during his speech at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division graduation ceremony on June 29 on Virgin Gorda. Following three tough years of being in and out of the classroom during the Covid-19 pandemic, 24 students from BFEC stood in the spotlight before their peers and supporters.
the Ciboney Centre of Excellence on June 29; Cedar International School on June 30; and the BVI Seventh-Day Adventist School on July 2. (Photo: SARIAH LAKE)
Under the theme “Redefining our future to embrace sustainability,” the BFEC Class of 2023 sang “Heal the World” to highlight the importance of sustainable development as well as the role they intend to play to achieve it.
“From turning tassels to turning wind into energy, we are redefining our future to help build our nation,” the class chanted in unison. “There are ways to get there.”
Keanna Arthur was the class salutatorian. Honour student Carlos Martinez-Matos said his years in high school were not easy. “There wasn’t a day where I didn’t feel stressed,” he said. “But it was all worth it when graduation came. It’s a bit surreal. I’m still trying to take it all in that I’m finished with that chapter and ready to embark on a new one.”
Also during the ceremony, three retiring educators were recognised by the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. Outgoing BFEC Principal Hilroy George dedicated 28 years to education, while Alexander Weekes served for 32 and Clennell Vanterpool for 36. Representatives from the BFEC classes of 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013 also attended the ceremony to show their support.
St. George’s Secondary
The same day, 26 graduates from St. George’s Secondary School celebrated at the St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Principal Cherilyn Anderson-Rogers thanked the community for its support and she commended her students’ accomplishments in spelling bees and extracurricular activities like Rotary contests.
The graduation held particular importance for Ms. Anderson-Rogers, who was principal of those same students years ago when they graduated from primary school.
“Not once did I ever imagine that I would do this again as you exited secondary school,” she said.
She offered advice for their continued development through the metaphor of mathematic symbols.
“Like a minus sign, subtract and take away all of those elements that do not add value to your life,” she said.
Absent from the graduating glass was Trinity Moses — who was fatally shot at age 11 in 2017 — but the principal honoured her with a moment of silence.
Valedictorian Jefferson Frank said in an interview that he plans to attend H. Lavity Stoutt Community College for two years with the hopes of becoming a marine biologist, potentially later studying in the United Kingdom. He called the teachers of St. George’s his “second family” and thanked them for their motivational support.
“Always dream big,” he advised his classmates. “But always have a strong desire for what you are dreaming. No matter how you are feeling, always try to be motivated and know your final goal.”
Ciboney Centre
Also on June 29, four students graduated from the Ciboney Centre of Excellence during a Virgin Gorda ceremony that focused largely on the challenges of the past five years.
“But through it all, you overcame, and today you should be happy and proud of that success,” teacher Heida Joyles-Selwood said during the ceremony at the Catholic Community Centre in The Valley.
T’Quan Brunn, the top graduating student, drew enthusiastic applause upon congratulating his peers for their academic accomplishments.
“Thank you to my friends for making this a fun and enjoyable experience,” he said.
Jahiem George said he plans to pursue higher education in mechanics and hopes to one day own his own chartering business.
“Online schooling was challenging for me because I’m more of an in-person, hands-on person,” he said of the pandemic.
Cedar International
The next day, 19 secondary school students graduated from Cedar International School during a ceremony at HLSCC, where the school’s steel pan band kicked off the celebration.
The Class of 2023 ties for the largest graduating class for the school to date.
School Director Scott Crawford celebrated the diversity of the class, which includes students from six nationalities, including nine Virgin Islanders or belongers. He noted that half the class began at Cedar in primary school, and they would have been in first grade when he first joined the staff.
“It is a remarkable class,” he said. “Together, the graduates have received offers from more than 40 universities in six different countries.”
Students also collectively amassed more than $1.2 million in scholarships, he said.
But beyond those academic achievements, he commended their accomplishments in athletics, arts, computer science, culinary studies and more.
“But more than anything, they are really, really kind young men and women whom we care about deeply and who have made us proud,” he said.
Seventh-day Adventist
A ceremony held July 2 at the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School in Sea Cows Bay centred around the lessons the 40 graduates learned in recent years.
The class valedictorian was Aniyah Williams and the salutatorian was Naomi Thompkins.
“We’ve tackled endless study sessions, navigated the challenges of teenage drama, and now find ourselves right on the brink of our future,” Ms. Thompkins said, reflecting on the “rollercoaster” of high school.
Keynote speaker Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson, vice president of academic affairs at HLSCC, started her address with a call and response, prompting the students to repeat, “I am not defined by my failures.”
“We are living in serious times here in this territory,” she said. “Graduates, as you transition from this institution, I have no doubt that you have been well prepared for your future given the high standards of ethics, integrity, values and Christian teachings I know this institution has inculcated in you.”