Tiffannie Skerritt receives award from Minister of Education Hon. Colin Riley
Tiffannie Skerritt was named the 2011 Student of the Year for the second time since the awards began, at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, during the Ministry of Education’s third annual National Teachers and Students awards ceremony, on October 25.
Tiffannie is a form 5 pupil at the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS). The other nominees were Khari Irish nominated by the St Augustine Primary School; Shaniece Moore of the Brades Primary School and Stevikha Foster Look Out Primary School nominee.
The panel of judges included Mrs. Dora Browne, Miss Bernadine Collins, Mr. Herman Cupid Francis Mrs. Oslyn Jemmotte, and chief judge, Parliamentary Secretary the Hon. Jermaine Wade.
In a brief interview with the Montserrat Reporter (TMR) following the ceremony student of the year Tiffannie Skerritt said she was thankful for the support she received from her family, teacher and the community. She stressed the importance of family support.
“…any parent who really wants their child to do well, the family support they give and the encouragement is very important,” Tiffannie said, adding she was always happy to participate in the community helping however she can.
In his delivery of brief remarks to audience well mixed with parents, teachers, students, media, and Ministry officials, H.E. Governor Adrian Davis said he was a strong believer in the value of education.
Teacher and Student Awardees for 2011
“I think reading is one of the most important things you can encourage your children to do. Even in this technological age; a book stimulates your imagination and takes you places you can’t otherwise go,” the Governor counselled.
“You should always do your best recognizing that the time you spend being educated is really one of the best investment you can make. So don’t squander it, enjoy school, enjoy competing and I hope we all have a successful future together.” H.E. Governor told the students.
Spanish teacher and spiritual coach at the Montserrat Secondary School Rev. Toney Allen and special education teacher Miss. Mary Blake were the recipients of long service awards.
Rev. Allen told TMR he knew he wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. He said his passion has sustained him over the years. “I never felt bored; I never felt as if I was wasting time, I never felt as if I wanted to move on because I knew I was doing something I was called to do.”
In her congratulatory remarks Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Daphne Cassell commended Rev. Toney Allen and Miss Mary Blake for their twenty (20) years of dedicated service. Mrs. Cassell invited the teachers to become active participants in the teacher mentoring group to guide and support the teachers who have newly joined the profession. “Admittedly teaching is a demanding profession and we believe that engaging senior teachers as mentors and coaches we can bring about a professional bonding and a more lasting result to effecting change,” she said.
Mrs Cassell urged the student of the year and three finalists to encourage other students and young adults with whom they interact to strive for excellence. She applauded their achievements and admonished them to build on the positive trait of respect for self and other, integrity and a passion for learning.
