Some 67 Fifth Form students at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School have graduated after five years of secondary education in Anguilla and they are either entering the world of work or going on to further their studies.

One of the two groups graduating from Fifth Form

Graduation day was Wednesday evening, October 17, at the school’s auditorium just outside Campus B. The theme of the ceremony was “Reminiscing, Celebrating and Pressing On.”

The feature address was delivered by the Right Reverend Errol Brooks. “We celebrate with those who have excelled academically, in sports and in the technical subjects,” he told the graduating class of 2007 and the large gathering from across the island. “We celebrate with those who have been punctual and well-behaved, those who persevered through the good and bad times…Whatever your achievements, please do not think ‘you have arrived’ – that this is the end of your learning.”

Principal Ingrid Lake

The Anglican Bishop offered the graduates a number of pointers on how to press on in life, among them being to continue to learn which he said had to do with more than academics. He advised them that the whole of life was a learning experience and that as they pressed on and grew older they would need to obey absolutes and realise “that things change from absolute to relative.”

His closing admonition to the graduating students was: “Remember the future is in God’s hands. Make the most of the present. Never forget from whence you came. Enjoy family and friends.”

In congratulating the graduates, the Principal, Ingrid Lake, noted that some of them had performed exceptionally well in their examinations while others could have done better. “Irrespective of the outcome, you should have learned something from the experience,” she stated. “Success comes with hard work and those who failed to prepare, virtually prepared for their failure. You should also become more cognisant of the importance of maximising the talents and time that you have.”

Mrs. Lake acknowledged it would be remiss of her if she did not comment on the fact that less than 60% of the class had satisfied the graduation criteria. She thought that this was unfortunate and should raise concerns at the school, department and ministry levels. “I must emphasise the point that the school cannot and should not fit into the agenda of students who show little or no regard for rules and regulations and persistently display negative behaviour,” she pointed out.

Second group of Sixth Form Graduants

Among other things she advised the Class of 2007, as they enter the world of work or a tertiary institution, to: adopt a winning philosophy; recognise that they still have a lot to learn; focus on opportunities; have faith in God to overcome obstacles; be givers in the service of their fellowmen and be enthusiastic in the varied pursuits of life.

“You can make a difference. Make your life count for something – you are too special to blow it,” she advised them.

Minister of Social Development, Evans Rogers, joined in congratulating the graduates and stressed the importance of learning and its contribution to the development of Anguilla and the wellbeing of its people.

The Valedictory Speech was delivered by Arthur Ward, the most outstanding graduate and winner of the Caldor Simon Award.

Bishop Errol Brooks

Ojeda Vanterpool was the student who secured the best CXC results, having scored 9 ones and 2 twos. She was among ten other female students who did exceptionally well in the examinations.

The graduation ceremony was followed by a delightful prom – a student dance and other entertainment held at Anguilla great House.

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