There were cheers from the audiences of parents, guardians, friends, well-wishers and teachers as the Iona Preparatory School on Thursday, June 30, sent off 28 graduates in their annual graduation ceremony.
The ceremony showcased academic excellence and talent of the students who did exceptionally well in their recent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT). The ceremony also saw the school basking in the success of rising like a phoenix after facing what seemed eminent closure in 2006.
In her report, principal of the school, Paulette Simpson highlighted several of the successes of the institution throughout the 2015-2016 academic year. These included the school receiving silver and bronze medals in speech and music respectively. There was also the successful staging of the first Miss Iona Preparatory School beauty with a purpose pageant, which was won by one of the graduates, Leyhan Chinloy. The school also scored 100 percent in the grade 4 literacy test results in 2015.
In extending congratulations to the graduates, guest speaker, pastor Omar Stennett of Family Church on the Rock, told the graduates that they had the potential to something great and further reminded them that “with God all things are possible.” However, he was quick to point out to the graduates that it was necessary for them to choose their friends wisely, so that they are not negatively influenced.
Pastor Stennett also had some useful advice for the parents and guardians as he urged them to: “Encourage your children in everything at all times… If you fail to give your children vision, they will perish.”
The valedictorian speech was read by Abigail Anderson and Maurice Matthews. Both commended the efforts of grade six teacher Sophia Ormsby who they described as a no nonsense teacher. “She persevered with us… and our achievements today speak volumes,” the valedictorians explained.
In the presentation of awards, the award for top GSAT students went to Rajiv Hall, with an average of 94.6 percent and Toni-Anne Russell, with an average of 94.8 percent. Several other students walked away with awards.
Grade six teacher, Sophia Ormsby was also awarded for her critical role in the success of the grade six students in their examination.
In addition, Alicia Haughton, another grade six teacher, was awarded by the ceremony’s chairperson and former chairman of the board, Pauline Haughton for her outstanding service to the school.
