Janelle Christie
With the demand for more workers in the hospitality industry, the Ocho Rios College graduated twenty-five of its students on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at the Mongoose Restaurant in Ocho Rios, St Ann.
Fifteen of the graduates specialized in bartending while seven did housekeeping, two customer service and one trained to become a waitress. The ceremony was hosted under the theme “Let the Adventure Begin”.
The function began with the procession by the Graduating class. The students sported broad smiles as they made their way to their designated seats. Following the hymn selection, ‘Great is thy faithfulness’, graduate, Kellesha Nembhard read the scripture, Psalm 27.
Prayer was done by chairman, Vincent Tulloch who also delivered the opening remarks. Mr Tulloch spoke of the vision of Ocho Rios College becoming a university. He also elaborated on Ocho Rios College starting as an idea and told the graduates that in the same way the vision of the school was made a reality, they too should dream big and apply themselves.
Lateshia Carty, who was also a part of the graduating batch extended greetings and introduction. She urged her fellow graduates to “Rise every time we fall.”
To endorse what Ms Carty said, Castell Maye from the hospitality industry spoke extensively on “don’t fear failure, fail being in the same place you are today next year”. He spoke about growth. He advised the graduates to make use of every opportunity they get and to widen their perspectives as ‘hospitality is Jamaica’s present and future’. He told the graduates that after being employed they should work toward getting promoted. Mr Maye also made mention of how demanding the field was and encouraged them to be pleasant and determined as they venture into new possibilities.
TAKE COURAGE
Two representatives from the Training and Recruitment Center, also spoke to the graduates.
The graduates then did a selection, ‘Can’t give up now’.
Principal, Kerine Davis, in her address charged the graduates to “take courage, believe in self and chase your dreams”. She said looking at the graduating class she sees “limitless potential the universe is offering to them.” She too agreed with Mr Tulloch to say that after employment, the graduates should never get comfortable being in the “same place they were today”. “You should be ready and willing to take risks … be courageous”, she said.
Ms Davis encouraged the graduates to work hard as they are capable. She also used the science of conception to explain to the graduates that they “have been victorious” and should continue to be.
Former principal of the Brown’s Town Community College, James Walsh was the guest speaker and spoke about respecting people’s rights and views. Mr Walsh was introduced by head boy, Kedar Chantilope.
The program entailed other items by Bobby Edwards and Fern Forrest and Maxine Campbell.
Members of the academic staff, Vincent Tulloch and Reneisha Sutherland presented the certificates to the graduating class of 2017.
Graduates were awarded for outstanding performance. They were awarded in categories including: most outstanding student, most improved student, best attendance, most helpful student, principal’s award and award to valedictorian.
These awards were presented to Santeego Riley and Antoinette Campbell; Chinnice Davis and Sandrene Walters; Shantel Brown and Santeego Riley; Santeego Riley and Latiesha Carty respectively.
The principal’s award went to Romell McDonald and Peter Gaye Williams was the recipient of the valedictorian award.
The vote of thanks was then extended by Mr Chantilope.
Other courses offered at the Ocho Rios College include: Geriatric Nursing, Allied Health Care Phlebotomy, Business Administration, Business Management, Accounting (clerk), Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Food Preparation, Bakery Chef, Massage Therapy, Tour Guiding, Cosmetology, Early Childhood, Customer Service, Hosting, Bartending and Dining Room Service.
