Nedd is valedictorian of the Class of 2018 of the SVGS

Delaan Nedd, St Vincent Grammar School’s 2018 valedictorian used his address to take his classmates on a walk down memory lane of what he says were the best five years of their lives.

The valedictorian, who took home four awards at the ceremony held on June 27 at the Kingstown Methodist Church, employed the use of humour and imagery to paint a vivid picture of the last five years, which were punctuated with multiple academic and sporting achievements and sprinkles of important life lessons.

“The late American author and playwright, E.E. Cummings was right when he said that “the most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” I can safely say that not a day went by in the past five years where we didn’t share a laugh – no matter how challenging or serious the moment, we always found something to laugh about,” he said.

Nedd also took the opportunity to thank those who were instrumental in the graduating class’s successes during their tenure at the all-boys institution.

“While what we have accomplished together is truly astonishing, it wasn’t easy. We owe it all to the goodness of God and the assistance of our teachers, parents and guardians,” he said.

To his fellow graduands, the valedictorian reassured that they were not just classmates, students or friends but “we are, and will always be, a family.”

“As we leave these sheltered gates, we are extremely proud to have had the privilege of attending the St Vincent Grammar School. This school has taught us many life lessons and the words “Per Aspera ad Astra” are forever etched in our minds,” he said. “With every experience, we’ve broadened our horizons and increased our knowledge, but now, as we embark upon separate journeys, no matter where we end up, whether near or far, we will always cherish the bonds that we have formed here.”

Nedd entered the St Vincent Grammar School in 2013 after placing 2nd for boys and 6th overall in the Common Entrance Examinations.

He managed to maintain the top spot in his class throughout his five years at the all-boys institution and he was awarded the Sol Award for Most Outstanding Student for three consecutive years.

The son of Dr Conrad Nedd and Kaushayla Weerasena-Nedd sat 15 subjects in the recently concluded CSEC examinations, having already sat general mathematics in fourth form.