Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Principal led the schools 2013 graduation of 70 students as she gave an overview of the Student Performance and Achievement; and the School’s Programme, which she said in the year under review was challenging.
The MSS Speech Day and Graduation Ceremony was the title shown on the program with the theme Purpose – Passion – Progress: Class of 2013, 3rd July, 2013, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre in Little Bay.
It was scheduled to begin at 4.30 p.m. on the outside, with a March Past of Mrs. Joy Darroux, one of the MSS teachers. With the audience standing, following the parade of the Cadets, came the procession of the graduates to the music of the MSS Orchestra which included the steel pans.
An opening prayer by Rev. Spencer Jeffers preceded the introduction of the chairperson for the ceremony by Dwanifiya Joseph, a Form 4 student. Mr. Glenroy Foster delivered the chairperson’s remarks, who later introduced the principal Mrs. Cherlyn Hogan, jumping down the program as MSS dancers were not yet ready with their entertainment.
Principal Reports
The principal delivered a long report on the school’s 2012/2013 academic year. She reported on Student Enrolment and Attendance – 190 boys and 166 girls, assigned to eighteen classes, two less than the previous year; by year end the population declined by five.
Students’ Performance and Achievements: (See full report in box on page xx ) Other Accomplishments – Extracurricular activities continued to be made available to the students of the school. This year these included athletics, cricket, netball, Cadets, and dance. There has been a spike in the interest in table tennis among students. This followed the donation of a table tennis board by His Excellency the Governor and the Rotary club.
Positives for the year
The principal’s report boasted, “many positives this year.” These included: The female team took top honours in Easter Monday Relay the race while the male team took second place; Tiffannie Skerritt, a 5th form student from last year placed first for the essay she submitted during term 3 of last year for the Regional ECCB OECS Essay Competition; The ECCU Business Plan Idea was won by Nadia Browne (graduating valedictorian), a 5th Form student of MSS. Special consolation prize was awarded to Sharese Allen, another student of our 5th form.
MSS Sports Day 2013, sponsored by the Montserrat Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA), was keenly contested. Mikila Gittens of form 1 was the Victrix Ladorum while 5th former Jamal Halley was the Victor Ladorum.
Mrs. Hogan reported on staffing mentioning the absence of a Guidance Counsellor and the LEAP1 teacher. Also the “Unfortunate” shock the school suffered at the untimely passing of Miss Anya Duncan the well-liked and respected Math and Science teacher.
The report was considered to be more than comprehensive as she reported on community support, the pupil support unit…ending with a message to the students. “…but life beyond Secondary school beckons. You cannot put this off…I implore each of you, that as you embark on the next stage of your life, remember that education is the key to unlocking your future and opening up to you a world of opportunities and challenges to be managed…You must be prepared to work hard, efficiently and effectively. You must be willing to accept advice…Know that you have within you what you need to progress. You simply need to be mindful of that and act with purpose. Be passionate about excelling and achieving your goals,” she told them.
Entertainment came from the dancers, the MSS choir and later the Graduation choir.
Keynote Address – Sarita Frances
Keynote Speaker for the ceremony, former deputy governor Sarita Frances opened with a tribute to the late Charles T John who died and was buried on Friday, July 5.
She referred to him and counted him with, “These people, some of whom are in the audience today epitomize the concepts which form the basis of my address to you this afternoon…”
She addressed and beckoned. “It therefore means that we education experts, planners, developers, policymakers must constantly review, not only our development agenda, but also the basic education foundation that is required to equip and integrate young people to play a meaningful from role in the new Montserrat that is operating in a dynamic technological universe.”
Then she addressed the students about the concepts she recommends for their adherence: “…the need to identify your purpose as a graduating class, the need for you to develop your passion which is the engine that propels you alone a path to achieve your goals in this life leading to progress which will ultimately result to the benefits of your generation…” reminding them, “the baton for the redevelopment of Montserrat is being passed to you the youth of Montserrat…”
The certificates, prizes and awards to the graduating 2013 class with special awards presented by the valedictorian’s parents (Catherine Browne officiating). The students processed for their certificates and awards, then listed to their valedictorian’s speech. Nadia.
The 2013 Valedictorian – A student who has remained on the Montserrat Secondary School MSS honor roll throughout her entire academic life.
She walked away with 10 awards for English, Mathematics, French, Spanish, Chemistry, Geography, Accounts and Principles of Business; also, she was the recipient of the top humanities student award and the prize for exemplary leadership.
In her address, speaking to and on behalf of the Class of 2013, she hinted and joked about the several jaunty-type exploits of their secondary school days, with teachers other students…
She said in her speech speaking to the general student body: “”To the MSS of the future my alma mater needs you and is depending on you to fly the flag high proudly… there is nothing you cannot achieve. Work with the teachers and reach for the stars,” adding that her class came into the school with a passion for learning, “and though our passion we worked and we progressed through the school, you can do it too, you will do it.”
She concluded to the students, “Use your energy to promote a healthy culture in Montserrat and the wider world,” resounding a theme from all who speak to the youths.
As though revealing the reasons of her success so far, she called on parents, guardians and well-wishers, encouraging, “with your support, MSS could be tops in the region.,Encourage your children to be tops in the region, encourage your children to do their best.”
Finally she told her classmates, “The journey to perfection continues, let’s make ourselves, our school, our parents and country proud. You have what it takes with your hands on the plough no turning back.”
Token presentations and a vote of thanks by head boy Darion Darroux preceded the final act of the recession of the graduates, to end the three hour speech day exercises.
