Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/4799/-1/131/
|
A Journey To A Thousand Miles
|
Kimberly Rogers and Tonya Carter first met on opposite sides of the aisle in the Primary School Spelling Bee Competition in 1995. Despite the fact that they were competing as rival schools, they managed to whisper to each other and share jokes across the desk. That was the beginning of their journey to a thousand miles…
|
|
Kimerly Rogers
|
These two energetic, vivacious girls entered the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALCHS) in September 1996 with no forethought of their future career goals. They became known as the “bobsy twins” and were often mistakenly referred to as sisters. Kimberly Rogers is the daughter of John and Joy Rogers of Sea Feathers, Anguilla. Tonya Carter is the daughter of Pagette and Bernadine Carter of East End, Anguilla.
Kim and Ton studied hard and excelled in their academics. In 1997, they toured Philadelphia, PA with the ALCHS Steel Orchestra. From 2000 to 2002 they were actively involved in the Literary & Debating Society and debated as teammates in 2002 (Antigua). Their performance in that competition was exemplary and earned the ALCHS the trophy.
|
|
Tonya Carter
|
The girls were also involved in sports with the school. Kimberly and Tonya even made time to collaborate with their friends, Samara Gumbs and Sandra Liddie to form the girl-group, “4.0”. 4.0 was noted for winning the Royal Anguilla Police Force Singing Competition for two consecutive years. They recorded the National Song which is been aired on Radio Anguilla and at various national events. In 2001, they both graduated from ALCHS with Kimberly securing the place Valedictorian and Tonya as Most Outstanding Student. They went on to successfully complete A-Level Studies.
The girls parted in 2003 and went their ways to develop independently and experience life outside of Anguilla. Kimberly enrolled in the University of Maryland in September 2003 and Tonya headed to Trent University in Canada. While they both had the opportunity to grow independently, as destiny would have it, they both pursued the Sciences. On May 21, 2007, Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiology and Neurobiology, and was inducted in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Primannum Honour Society. On May 30, 2007, Tonya graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (President’s Honour and Dean’s Honour). While achieving excellent grades, the girls continued to be actively involved in the social fabric of their Universities. Kimberly was the president of the Caribbean Student’s Association at the University of Maryland. Tonya served as Events Coordinator and Treasurer of the Trent African Caribbean Student’s Union.
The irony of these girls continued as they both have been accepted into prestigious medical schools in Pennsylvania. Kimberly has been admitted to the Faculty of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Tonya has been admitted to the Faculty of Medicine, Penn State University. They both intend to commence their formal medical education in August 2007.
Kimberly and Tonya are thankful to God for His mercies during their journey together. They are happy to have been blessed with wonderful parents and family. They are deeply grateful to their Pastors and members of Central Baptist Church and Christian Fellowship Church, former teachers, friends, family and the Government of Anguilla. They dream of returning home to serve Anguilla as Medical Practitioners.