Octogenarian is First Assembly’s second-best graduating student
I CAN vividly recall the euphoria that erupted, and the long standing ovation that followed the announcement last Sunday at the First Assembly of God Church here in the city that an 86-year-old ‘granny’ had emerged the Salutatorian (second- best graduating student) from an academic class dominated by largely robust and energetic young people. Greeted with excitement, this unexpected declaration immediately brought the congregation to its feet in acknowledgement of the remarkable feat.
And just who is this exceptional lady? She’s none other than Sister Doreen Boyer, one of the most dedicated and probably the oldest member of the D’Urban Street, Wortmanville Church.
The only person beating her record was valedictorian, Leander Ageday, who is somewhere in his 30s.
The occasion was the First Assembly of God’s 6th Prize-giving and Celebration Day, during which about 40 persons (all members of the Church) were honoured for their outstanding performance at the following examinations:
The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE); the 2011 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); and the Church’s 2009 and 2010 Bible-Study Programme, officially called the International School of Ministries (ISOM).

ISOM award
Overwhelmed and beaming with joy as she took to the rostrum to accept her award, Sister Boyer first expressed gratitude to God, whom she credited with being responsible for her success. “I can do all things through God who strengtheneth me and I have a desire to learn more,” she said.
Incredibly, at her advanced age, she was able to read a passage from the scriptures without the aid of her spectacles. Currently a first-year student at the AOG Bible College here, she has tangibly demonstrated her intention to continue studying, with the aim of imparting the knowledge she has acquired to others.
Sister Boyer, who has a soft spot for young people, said she would particularly like to share her knowledge with young members of the congregation, and exhorted them to continue to work towards strengthening their relationship with God.
In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was awarded three prizes:
A full (three-year) scholarship from the Church to attend the AOG Bible College; a trophy; as well as a plaque (the Doris Olga Younge Award for Women in Academic Studies).

CSEC, CAPE, NGSA  awards
And, for emerging champion performer among 13 young people from First Assembly who did well at the CSEC Examinations, Martin Massiah, a student of Queen’s College and son of Senior Pastor, Raphael Massiah and Elder Angela Massiah, received an HTC tablet and a plaque. He secured 11 Grade Ones with eight distinctions at the Examinations.
Other top CSEC performers included Adiele Roshuevl; Joshua Stephaney; Jenell Piereira and Iyancey Barker who received cash incentives and specially-designed golden lapel pins.
Outstanding performances at CAPE came from Petal Farrier with four Grade Ones and one Grade Two; and Tatiana Benjamin, with one Grade One; two Grade Twos and one Grade Four. They were both appropriately awarded.
Meanwhile, 20 students from First Assembly were awarded for their performance at the NGSA. The top five were: Shemar Austin, Tyrese Booker and Ezekiel Caines who each received a book voucher, and Lanshonda Kellman and Samuel Rafiek who each received golden lapel pins.

Special Awardees
At the CSEC level, two persons were named for special awards for their commitment to service and the work of the Church. They are: Devon Austin, who received a Net Book; and Joshua David, who was presented with a book voucher. The other special awardee was Sister Boyer for Women in Academic Service.
Eminently proud of the intellectual achievements of his brethren, Bishop Massiah, who is noted for encouraging young people to become intellectually engaged and work towards realizing their God-given potential,joined in congratulating them all. Urging them not to become complacent, he said:
“While we celebrate with you today, this must not be the end,” adding that they owed it to themselves to keep gaining wisdom and qualify themselves for better things to come.
Reminding the congregation that wisdom comes from God, Pastor Massiah stressed the need to keep constantly in God’s presence, from whence cometh such wisdom. “Seek ye first, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” he said, quoting a famous passage from the Bible.
“If we place ourselves in an environment in which the presence of God abides,” he said, “God’s favour will come upon our lives remarkable ways. In the presence of God, there is fullness of joy.”
A good way to inculcate the discipline required to move themselves forward, Pastor Massiah told the awardees, would be through hard work and commitment, starting within the home. He also stressed the need for the establishment of clear lines of authority in the home, ensuring these are observed unwaveringly. Such is an example of increasing in wisdom, he conceded, adding that one of the tragedies of the home today is when people are no longer thinking.