Sandena James
A large number of ‘little ones with big hearts’ leaving the St Ann’s Bay Infant School said their last goodbyes at their school leaving ceremony held at the Calvary Tabernacle on Thursday, June 30.
The members of the graduating class of 2016 consisted of 86 boys and girls dressed in blue and grey gowns.
The ceremony, in the parish capital, began with the procession of members of the school board, academic staff and the distinguished school leavers. A congregational hymn was then sung, following the invocation and welcome by school leavers.
The proceedings continued with the chairperson, Alturo Cox, giving the opening remarks, after which greetings were extended by the board chairman, Michelle Campbell.
The guest speaker, Loetha Greyson was then introduced by Cheryl Thomas after which she gave a strong message for the young graduates. She encouraged the school leavers to be like Moses of the Bible, humble, and to never forget their roots. Her message to parents was to use their God-given handbooks as a guide to growing their children.
Students gave two talent filled performances, a sign language piece followed by a celebratory dance where they waved colourful banners. The valedictory speech, given by five top graduates was filled with well-expressed thoughts of their tenure at the institution.
In the year in review, principal Esther Henry highlighted the school’s major achievements for the year as well as successful events that took place. Some of which included a number of donations, important meetings, activities and visits from the Ministry of Education, Early Childhood Commission, fire safety and public health. The achievement of placing second in the Optimist Club of Mammee Bay Basic Schools Quiz competition was also highlighted as an outstanding win for the first- time participants.
She also spoke of the successful adaptation to a leadership training enforced by the National Council of Educational Leadership as well as fun-filled activities such as a visit to Swamp Safari, movie night, Christmas treat, Jamaica Day, Children’s Day, Teacher’s Day, Read Across Jamaica Day, and Sports Day.
New changes were also mentioned including a school handbook and a four-year-old assessment programme. She concluded by thanking parents, teachers and students who collaborated to make the day possible and left them with the quote “Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service and character.”
The ceremony was packed with numerous special awards for students displaying characteristics including helpfulness, courtesy, attendance and academic excellence. Graduates on the honour roll included Darrielle Llewellyn, Santroy Phillips, Destiny Fairclough, Jamelia Baugh, Xavier Edwards, Renique James, Shakeem Brown, Stephanie Crooks, Ka-Jra Shard, Aria Robinson, Andriel Dawkins, Nieyendi Gayle, and Rashawn Brooks. The top girls and boys were Jamelia Baugh, Stephanie Crooks, Shakeem Brown and Xavier Edwards.
The graduation ceremony ended with the singing of the school song, National Anthem and a recession where staff and school leavers marched off with pride.
