The Montserrat Community College held its 2016/17 Graduation Ceremony at 4:30 pm on December 20, 2017, in the Brades Arts and Entertainment Centre.
Valedictorian Meliek Richards gave the address on behalf of the graduands, and Acting Attorney-General Mrs Sheree Rodney (a graduate of the College) gave the graduation address.
Acting co-principals Miss Anne Marie Dewar and Mrs Geraldine Cabey led the procession followed by Rev. Dr Ruth Allen who opened the proceedings with a prayer. Mrs Cabey introduced the Chairperson Miss Thandie Williams, following with Miss Dewar delivering the Principal’s Remarks.
A break followed with student, Miss Tamarra Agard singing a solo, accompanied by another student Mr Yannick Lynn, on the guitar.
In the graduation address, guest speaker Ag. Attorney General Mrs. Sheree Rodney who was introduced by Sandrae Thomas, reflected on the College motto: ‘Aspire, Apply, Achieve,’ and pointed to the significance of clear, concise, achievable but challenging goals. This was reflected in the Valedictorian’s speech in which Mr Richards spoke to the theme: imagine, desire, act on, and it will come to pass, pausing to thank God for the help given.
Miss Dewar in her remarks informed as she recounted some of the highlights, giving note, “For the past two years’ students at the college have undertaken short weekly personal development sessions entitled ‘My Time’ on a range of topics from Financial Planning and Savings to managing stress, sexuality and ethics.”
She said, the program was the brainchild of former Principle Dr. Clarice Barnes, who according to scant information left the college in circumstances yet to be explained or examined as having being forced out, all yet to be confirmed.
Miss Dewar said the program, “has enabled students to engage in thinking on areas and matters critical to their own well-being now and for the future…”
During the year there were forty-one full-time students, with twenty-eight doing part-time
studies in various technical fields: building construction, cosmetology and clothing and textiles. There was a display and a video on work done. Seventeen of the graduands studied for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), and during the year two new subjects were added. These were Literatures in English and Tourism Studies. Students in the flagship CAPE programme achieved an overall pass-rate of 92%. The Valedictorian passed eight subjects, winning a regional award for Accounting.
Intended as a surprise, at the end of awards to students, the students gave special awards of appreciation to teachers in addition to the traditional awards to presenters and special guests. The vote of thanks was given by Miss Lindsey.
The traditional shifting of the tassels was then held and the ceremony was complete.
Click on link to see other pictures of Graduation.
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