When 21-year-old Melinda Stoutt enrolled in the Alternative Secondary Education Programme, she was shy and timid, she said. But last week during her graduation ceremony, she stood in front of nearly 50 people as she led the class in a song. Ms. Stoutt was among six females who made up the ASEP’s Class of 2013.
“I feel really great this afternoon. All the hard work has paid off,” Ms. Stoutt said shortly after the ceremony. “Now, I’m going to college for culinary arts. I want to be a chef. I like to cook for people.”
Ms. Stoutt’s plans are in tune with advice from Education and Culture Minister Myron Walwyn’s congratulatory remarks: The certificates the graduates have earned will help them achieve their dreams, Mr. Walwyn said in a speech read on his behalf by Dr. Marcia Potter, permanent secretary in the EC Ministry.
“Act with purpose and intention,” Dr. Potter read. “Only you can determine what you will do with your certificate. Act on the desire to improve your present circumstance.”
Mr. Walwyn encouraged graduates under the age of 30 to utilise the Youth Employment Service.
See the Dec. 12, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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