Janelle Christie
Approximately seventy-five prospective graduates of the Moneague College on Sunday, April 30, assembled in the Gloria Johnson Multi-Purpose Auditorium on the school’s campus for their Valedictory Service.
All final year students were a part of the valedictory class. These are students who are enrolled for the teacher education, CAPE, Career Advancement and Community College programmes. These graduates, if successful in passing their courses, will then be qualified for the school’s graduation on November 30, of this year.
Parents, other family members and well wishers turned out in their numbers to witness another milestone in the lives of those students who have been at the institution for one to four years.
Vice-chairman of the board and chairperson of the event, Reverend Michael Llewellyn opened the day’s programme with the welcome. Rev. Llewellyn dubbed the function “Special Valedictory Service” and implored all the students to meet the criteria for the ultimate, which is their graduation later this year.
“God has mapped out the pathway you have taken in your studies,” Acting Principal, Jacqueline Thames, said in her remarks. She encouraged the graduates to seek things that will keep them in “God’s favour”. She quoted a number of thoughts and bible verses which she urged the valedictory class to use and “feed their souls”.
She also told them to be conscious of their thoughts, as “thoughts eventually create their destiny.” In closing she left a thought with the Valedictory class, imploring them to place their lives, hopes, relationships and dreams in Jesus’s hands because it matters whose hands we are in. She drew parallels with a tennis racket in the hands of Serena Williams which is worth millions, versus the ordinary man, in whose hands it is worth little; and two fish and five loaves in the hands of Jesus feeding a multitude versus it being in the hands of the ordinary man where it is a mere meal for one. She concluded, “It all depends on whose hands are at work”.
The keynote address was done by senior minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Reverend Everton Jackson, who persuaded the valedictory class to adopt Christ-like attributes. He said the theme was apt for the occasion. He too quoted Scriptures which reinforced godly attributes which he implored the valedictory class to adopt.
In keeping with the theme, “education makes us employable, exceptional conduct makes you indispensable …good manners matters,” Rev Jackson told the graduates that they should present themselves as examples so that when persons emulate them, they emulate Christ.
“As you prepare to exit the walls of this institution take note of what Paul said… that we should make sure we are guided by his standard even as he is led by Jesus Christ.”
Rev Jackson spoke of how the world has evolved into the digital age and how this may affect one’s character. “Globalization and urbanization have exposed us… immorality has now entered our living rooms and bedrooms; we don’t have to go anywhere to experience it, it’s coming right to us,” he said. Despite what is happening around us, he said, we can still be models of high standards. “People will be shocked to see how you behave; not like them, and after a time they’ll then want to be like you… you stand out when you are different in your disposition, your dress and your ethics.”
In his prayer Rev Jackson prayed for the graduates who had taken on the challenge to begin at the institution and for the persons who have provided any form of support for them in their academic pursuits.
The programme also included items by the school’s ensemble and scripture readings from graduates, Serena Scott and Shanique McKenzie.
The Valedictory class expressed several emotions of personal accomplishment and gratitude to the institution.
