The Breadnut Hill Primary School said farewell to thirty-five students at their school leaving exercise on Monday, June 27 at the Assemblies of the First Born in Colegate, St. Ann.
The graduation ceremony, which began with a processional march, was chaired by journalist, Halshane Burke. Head boy, Ranaldo Ruby, gave the welcome.
School principal, Ricardo Kennedy, spoke highly of the institution’s accomplishments for the school year. He stated that the school, with a population of 260 students and 11 members of staff, has benefited from an agreement with the Japanese embassy. The signing ceremony, which took place on December 5, included the school receiving ten million dollars which has so far led to a number of improvements and repairs on campus.
Other noteworthy accomplishments included: the road safety unit’s venture to the school, parent month celebrations, the badging of student leaders, great sporting achievements, as well as their Christmas dinners. These happenings, according to Mr Kennedy, have now been topped by the “great GSAT passes” with students heading to prominent schools such as Westwood High, Queens High and York Castle High. He also recognised the top boy, who had an average of 89% and the top girl with an average of 93.2%. He said: “As we move forward, let us be cognisant that the journey our children embark on are not without the support and involvement of our parents. We must work hand in hand to ensure our kids are successful.”
The school choir performed Mariah Carey’s ‘Hero’ after which board chairman, Reverend Karen Kirlew and education officer, Millicent DaCosta, gave the greetings.
Guest speaker Marlene Davidson was introduced by students, Jamarie Henry and Amelia Lovelace. Her message was aided by the use of four points: dare to dream, dream big, tune out the noise, and toughen up. With the use of short stories she also reminded students to make the best of their situations (like the Stringy mango) and chart their own path (like the eagle). She ended by imploring the graduates that the sky is the limit and so they should soar to higher heights. She said winners are losers who get up once more.
The school leavers performed with conviction in their item and following that, valedictorian NatanyaWatson gave her moving and upliftingspeech filled with memories. She invited fellow graduates in singing a part of Nesbeth’s song, ‘My Dream’. “Thanks for being the wind beneath our wings, and watch us make you all proud”, she concluded.
AWARDS
A number of awards and donations were presented for academic and social achievements. Among those were the St Ann Baptist Association Award for Top achiever, which went to Natanya Watson, who also received the award for highest GSAT average, and three subject awards. Top boy, Ronaldo Ruby received a total of four awards, including two subject awards as well as a book voucher. The Amy Nelson award went to Tanique Levers, who was also awarded a voucher valued at $30,000, two subject awards and most disciplined girl. Other top students with averages above 80 precent were Jamielia Greenland, Djhani Roberts, Semoya Barnett and Oraine Wilmott. The Khaleen Haye award and voucher for most improved boy went to Tevin Bell.
