Kladius Maynard

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Kladius Maynard

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

The 198 graduates of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) class of 2012 received some frank words of advice during a graduation ceremony held yesterday, June 28 at the Multi Purpose Sports Complex.

Some of the guidance focused on holding on to their integrity and dignity, choosing their career wisely, and pursuing measures to ensure they are skilled and can hold positions in the BVI, especially in the tourism and financial sectors, among other things.

Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn who congratulated the students for sticking to the task, said the future of the Virgin Islands will depend on what they choose to do with their lives.

He told the graduates that he has one more examination for them to pass, one which his generation so far has been unable to fully succeed and it is one which they essentially have no choice but to pass. The Minister was speaking of the need for Virgin Islanders to take up their rightful place in the two main pillars of the economy, tourism and financial sectors.

Minister Walwyn said years ago, Virgin Islanders were more active participants in the commerce industry as they made up a large majority of owners of hotels, villas, restaurants and retail shops, among other businesses. However, he said it is now a challenge to help more Virgin Islanders to become stakeholders in the economy.

"However, today it's a different story; Virgin Islanders are no longer leaders of this industry and this is something that we have to address. We need some of you to get into the tourism industry for entry level positions all the way to becoming managers and owners of hospitality establishments. Graduates we need you once again to populate this industry and just as your parents and grandparents did, find your own chance to advance in this sector. I wish that I could report differently on our other main industry - financial sector...," the Minister stated during his address yesterday.

Outgoing Principal, Melissa Amey told the graduates that the occasion is much more than academic achievement, noting that they have stuck together and motivated each other over the years to excel.

She spoke on the 96 percent pass rate that the school achieved this year, noting that when they recorded a 98 percent pass rate last year, there were a number of naysayers. However, she said she ignored the critics mainly because she did not feel the need to have to justify the results, since it was as a result of hard work.

She thanked the graduates for living up to the expectations of the school. "My heart is filled with joy."

The Principal, who said this will be her last official event with the students, said she is pleased to report that the school year ended without any fights or major disturbances at the school. Amey urged the graduates to enjoy their childhood and not rush to grow up.

During a passionate address to the graduates, keynote speaker, Pastor Gregory George said they are not just a number at a graduating class.

"...We hope that five, ten years from now, we can see you and call you by your name...We want to see you making a difference graduating class; I really believe that you can make a difference...You are not just another graduating class," he told the graduates.

George urged the graduates to work hard to find a rightful place in the Territory and not run off to the big countries.

"...And these big people in the big cities are trying to come here...You are to find your place in the BVI and you are to let yourself stand up and stand out. And God has a place, you were not born here just to be born here, you are born here to take your rightful place in the BVI. So graduating class, I trust that with all the difficulties life brings, you make God your guide," he stated.

The top student in the Territory and Valedictorian, Kladius Maynard said in order to succeed, one must have the determination to do so. He said if he was not determined the day he entered the high school, he would not have been where he is today.

Maynard said he has been overwhelmed with good words from men in the society for his achievement and according to him, he has since learned that there has not been a male Valedictorian and Salutatorian at the same time since before he was born.

The Salutatorian was Jason Williams Jr.

"Initially, I was overwhelmed by the appreciation for my hard work and congratulations for my achievements, but what have I done; I simply worked hard, studied harder and stayed focused. What Jason and I have done, to me was not that big of a deal until I found out that the last time two young men achieved the position of Valedictorian and Salutatorian in the same year at this school was before I was even born. Jason and I are just the beginning and we are positive that our success is not a flute. However, the young men after us must choose to validate our success," Maynard stated.

It has been some twenty years since such an achievement was made at the school.

ESHS graduation on June 28, 2012

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

ESHS graduation on June 28, 2012

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Meanwhile, Premier Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith who urged the graduates to choose their career wisely, said the reality is that the BVI is depending on each and every one of them to live up to their full potential if as a people, they are to survive and prosper in the global world and in an economy based on tourism and financial services.

"But, we also need those occupations that all countries must have if they will be successful at looking after their citizens. We need carpenters, electricians, healthcare professionals, bankers, pastors, politicians, police officers and the list goes on. I encourage you to choose your profession carefully. Work hard. Prepare yourselves well because the globalised world is the stage on which you must perform. Your competition is no longer just the person sitting next to you or your co-worker or your friend or the people next door, but rather everyone on the world stage," he told the graduates.

However, the Premier said that is not all. "As the future custodians of the BVI, you have the added responsibility of making sure that you hand over the Territory to the next generation in as good or better shape than you received it."

There were some 48 honour students in this year's graduating class and a number of awards and scholarship were given out at the ceremony.

Amey outlined a number of achievements at the school in the last year which included an increase in the number of honour roll students in each form, an increase in the number of students sitting CXC examinations [128 to 141], three Carifta medalists in track and field, introduction of the lunch programme, introduction of parents activation on Power School, reduction in disciplinary matters and a redeveloped library and resource centre, among other things.

It was also announced that Assistant Principal Arthur Selwood will be retiring.