Graduates from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies showed strength and resilience in completing their studies amidst the ongoing recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, and host Ronn Grant of 284 Media said that fortitude will carry the Class of 2020 forward amid the challenges of contending with a pandemic.
“Graduates, you have worked long and hard, and you are probably wondering with all that is taking place in our world today, ‘Why me?’ and ‘Why now?” Mr. Grant said during the school’s graduation ceremony on Friday at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre. “I’m sure that the many adjustments to our daily living routines and uncertainty of what lies ahead has caused some measure of stress and anxiety. … Remember, we are a resilient people.”
During a ceremony that was broadcast live via Facebook for friends and family members, the school celebrated the graduation of 20 seniors.
Principal Andy Francis commended the graduating class for turning the setbacks of Irma and Covid-19 into “comebacks.”
“You persevered, dedicated yourselves to the task, and as a result you are here this afternoon,” he said.
Bregado Flax
Bregado Flax Educational Centre Secondary Division held its graduation ceremony on Tuesday at the Catholic Community Centre on Virgin Gorda.
All told, 23 seniors graduated from the school this year.
“We began our high school education as inquisitive children with the heaviest of backpacks and highest of aspirations,” valedictorian Nicklous Kanhai said in his speech. “The path we have trod certainly came with its obstacles, and there were many times when we certainly felt like giving up, but we pressed through.”
The beginning of the “semi-virtual” event was broadcast on government’s Facebook page, though technical issues cut short the live recording after about 10 minutes.
Secondary student Toriah Price, who was recently announced as a contestant in the upcoming Gen Y Factor singing competition, welcomed viewers with her rendition of the Virgin Islands Territorial Song.
Honours
Outgoing seniors Terisha Bascombe, Nakyiah Bobb, Keishon Gardener, Adante George, Alysaar Kaddoura, Kavon Kisnasammy, Kimberly Kisnasammy, Alyanna Nickie, and Allonah Williams made the honour roll.
Graduation ceremonies in the territory remain invite-only affairs, though friends and family can tune in virtually to most events. Guardians should contact their children’s schools for details.
Claudia Creque Educational Centre and Elmore Stoutt High School held their graduation ceremonies yesterday, and BVI Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary School rounds out the graduation season on Aug. 9.