Story Courtesy of Lynn Jeffers School
(Gingerland, Nevis) – Six Lyn Jeffers students graduated June 17 at a colourful ceremony held at the Old Manor Hotel.
Guest speakers reminded the students that they had been well equipped to venture into a competitive world and also told them success in their future endeavours will depend on their hard work and on how they utilise what they have been taught.
The graduating students were: Candie Beauregard, Chevelle Chaderton, Pamela Diaz, Patrick Johnson (Valedictorian), Pheauncie Jones and Kishmoy Pemberton.
The President of the school, Mrs Pam Martin, outlined the school’s achievements and thanked the students for playing a leading role in various successful projects that the school undertook.
“Lyn Jeffers students have always worked hard in trying to achieve the high standard set by the school. Not only do they work hard academically, but have participated in extra curricular activities with great enthusiasm,” said Mrs. Martin.
The school had continued to participate in the RBTT Young Leaders programme and had attained the second position in the Federation for the last two years, Mrs. Martin said. As a result, the school had received an Award of Excellence, she said.
After participating in the Junior Achievement Program, Mrs Martin said, the Lyn Jeffers students were awarded the most innovative Business Concept Award. She also said the students were full participants in the UNESCO small island voice and sand watch programs.
Two outstanding students Candie Beauregard and Pamela Diaz were afforded the opportunity to showcase their debating skills in the Youth Congress Debate, she said.
“Congratulations are also in order to Pheauncie Jones, one of the graduates today, who sat and passed four (4) CXC subjects in January; to Patrick Johnson who was awarded a distinction for Information Technology. Rachel Yearwood who received a distinction for Literature while in 2nd Form.”
“Special congratulations to Pheon Jones one of our past students, class of 2004, who was awarded Student of the Year Award at the St. Thomas University in Florida. Pheon continue to make both your family and the Lyn Jeffers School proud.”
“Jessica Johnson also a past student, class of 2006, achieved a Gold Medal in Science in the UK. Over the last seven years our students have excelled and we have seen 100% passes in Mathematics, Spanish, English and History.”
“Additionally, we are proud to say that all of our past 5th Form students went off to University right after O level examination. Congratulations to those students and I do trust that they will continue to excel in all areas. We can all stand proud and say the Lyn Jeffers School is an institution that is about success, often in the face of adversity.”
The parents thanked the The Parents Teachers Association for raising over EC$13,000 this year.
“To the parents who have supported the school in a myriad of ways thank you so very much. There are many individuals and organizations that provide scholarships to our students and to them we say how grateful we are. To the many volunteers who have given of themselves, they are too numerous to mention but we are most grateful.”
The President thanked Mrs. Miriam Knorr who is retiring for the second time.
“Mrs. Knorr words cannot express our profound sense of gratitude for all your years of hard work, commitment and love. You have given so much to this school, and you have been such an inspiration to all, thank you.”
Wendell Huggins, who was the master of ceremonies, described the students as having been “well taught”. He told the graduands that their future success would depend on them, “you must decide where you want to go, “it is all about choices. Work hard to realise your potential.”
He told the students to liken education to a light and said the education the students had received represents light, “always let it shine. Never let the light die.”
Dr. Bronte Gonsalves, a renowned education consultant, said she was proud of Lyn Jeffers School and was satisfied that the school had progressively complied with all the regulations of local education and this had been confirmed by a team from the Nevis Island Administration education department team.”
She reminded the students that they were not leaving, a secure environment and going out into a large competitive world, “You have been taught how to learn, transfer those skills into your new environment.”
Dr Bronte said the students had been privileged to acquire “critical and analytical skills” by participating in local and regional competition. Dr Bronte told the students that while education pursuit was key to success, in the outside competitive world having morals and attitudes and amicable approaches in solving conflict was equally important.
“You have been guided by effective teachers,” she told the students. She urged this year’s graduands to start a newsletter and an alumni association, “you have so much to be proud of.”
Mr Wendell reinforced Dr. Bronte’s advice to students and told them critical thinking skills were lacking both in the private and public sector. “These skills are important if we are going to be productive. We must be able to use these skills in an organisation.”
Alison Hill, a former principal at the school told the students to remember they would always be special, “our weaknesses and strengths make us who we are. You are special in what you make of your life.”
