At annual graduation
By Modesty Hossanah
QUEEN’S College held its annual graduation ceremony on Thursday to honour the class of 2017. In attendance were parents, teachers, well-wishers, and special invitees. Among the special invitees were Honourable Dr. Frank Anthony, Mrs. Mohanlani Chatterdeo-Persaud, Neil Hopkinson and Sachin Ramsuran. The guest speaker Mrs. Chatterdeo-Persaud, a past student of Queen’s College, spoke of her time at the institution. She relayed the ups and downs of her school life, noting the changes the institution has experienced throughout the years. During her speech, the guest speaker made mention of the cap on CSEC subjects. She had “cried bitter tears” over the 10 subjects she wrote, thus she is more than astonished at the number of subjects students are attempting today. However, she believes that students should not be limited.

Moreover, she believes that students who intend to write those high numbers of subjects should be monitored throughout Fourth and Sixth Forms. This would allow the school to determine whether they are capable of handling the lot. Additionally, Mrs. Chatterdeo-Persaud encouraged the graduating class in moving on to the next chapter of their lives, given that a lot of life’s next decisions depend on what they want to do later in life. Some may go on to UG, while others will return to Sixth Form to take A-levels. The guest speaker advised the Fifth Form graduates to return to pursue CAPE as it makes for a smooth transition from being “teacher-driven” to “self-driven.”

Persons in attendance were treated to entertaining pieces by the graduates, including song and dance. One song, “Rise Up” sung by Paige Carter moved the audience to tremendous applause. Indeed, it is important to rise up; rise above the struggles and downfalls of life, especially since the path to success is not a straight one.
In a reflection done by the Sixth Form graduates, one student reminisced on her favourite moment in QC. She recalled playing a game of ‘catcher’ in which practically the entire school participated. For her, it was amazing to see such unity and harmony, even in something as simplistic as a childhood game.

Another student imparted advice to the students, saying how easy it is to become overwhelmed by the stress and pressure of school. He believes in spite of this, it is important to remember to have fun every now and then, and not get trapped within the cycle of school work and assignments.
The principal, Ms. Jackie Benn, charged the graduates to remain steadfast. She quoted from the Greek philosopher Aristotle, saying: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Shannon Woodroffe, the valedictorian, in her speech spoke eloquently of her time in the college. She divulged some of the major obstacles she had battled throughout school. Shannon recalls the support she received from her family, peers and teachers – it was this support that kept her going. She believes that anything, no matter how difficult, can be achieved if you remain disciplined and determined.