Vincy Valedictorian at Cave Hill

Vincentian national netballer Halimah DeShong is one of two Valedictorians of the 2004 graduating class of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.{{more}}

DeShong, who obtained First Class Honours in History, will deliver the Valedictorian address at the afternoon graduation ceremony this Saturday October 23rd at the Sir Garfield Sports Complex, Barbados.

The New Montrose resident, obtained 19 A’s and a B out of a total of 20 courses in her second and third years.

DeShong, the daughter of Ashley Baptiste and Iceletha DeShong, both of New Montrose, is currently pursuing her MPhil in Social Development Policy at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic studies at the Cave Hill Campus on a University Scholarship.

The avid netball player, who has played on the national team from 2000 to 2003, including captaincy in 2001 and 2002, was voted Valedictorian by her peers from among those students receiving First Class Honours.

Besides netball, which DeShong played for Cave Hill Campus in the 2003 Intercampus games, she has also represented the Combined Territories in football and served on the executive of the Vincentian Student Association, VINSA, from 2001 to 2003.

The former Girls’ High School student, who received a Government Scholarship for her outstanding contribution to her country, says more opportunities are available to Vincentians now and young people must make full use of them.

DeShong, 25, says there is more and more competition in the region and young people need to get qualified so that they can compete in what is becoming a global economy.

She said the university experience should be holistic, where students strike a balance between academics, sports and recreation.

She noted that her family, especially her mother and father, ensured that she got her education through the years and instilled the importance of education in her.

“My mother told me because I am a woman it was even more important for me to get an education”, said DeShong.

She said her dad was the one to instill the mix of academics and sports.