Bethel students urged to dream large

The 2009 graduating class of the Campden Park Secondary School has been urged to “think big, think large, dream large!”{{more}}

Family, friends and special invited guests gathered at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church in Campden Park on Tuesday, 30th June, 2009, to honour 81 students at the school’s graduation ceremony.

Speaking to the graduates, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education Carlton Hall encouraged the students to have the right attitude towards their education as that would determine how far they would go in life. He also charged parents to become active participants in their children’s education and not to leave everything up to the school.

Also addressing the children was parliamentary representative for South Leeward Dr. Douglas Slater, who urged them to take every opportunity available to them to advance their education. He also urged them to have respect, drive and discipline “There is a level of discipline necessary to excel in any area of life,” he said.

Feature speaker, veteran educator Elsie Frederick, delivered an extensive and motivational speech to the graduates. Frederick told the graduates that they should be self-disciplined, have integrity, purpose and strive to become competent individuals in whatever career they choose. She also advised the students to always let God guide them in their decisions and to always value themselves.

Frederick said that a student’s integrity is important as it enables them to build other important principles: “Integrity is the foundation on which many other principles are built such as respect, dignity and chastity,” she said. She further urged them to avoid “selling their souls” in order to gain material and other possessions. “You are more valuable!” she said.

She also reminded the students to be thankful to God, their school, parents and those who have helped them reach thus far in their education.

Valedictorian Safiya Mc Kenzie, addressing her fellow graduates, urged them to be proud of their alma mater, which has received scrutiny from many in the past. Describing her high school experience as a well spent one, Mc Kenzie thanked all her teachers and her classmates and God for contributing to the wonderful experience.

The ceremony also featured the distribution of prizes to students for their excellence in academics and sports. Safiya Mc Kenzie received prizes for being the most disciplined student, the valedictorian and the ECGC award for Student of the Year. ECGC awards were also given to students who placed first in forms one through four. The graduation ceremony was held under the theme “Positioned for productivity, prosperity and prominence.”(OS)