VALEDICTORIAN Richard Kinsanally challenged his fellow graduates to develop confidence, while esteemed accountant, Christopher Ram charged the audience of graduates to reach for the stars.They made these charges at the Guyana Technical Institute graduating class of 2016 last Wednesday at the National Cultural Centre.

A total of 505 students graduated from the institution, while several were bestowed with varying awards and accolades for outstanding performances.

Graduating with a Diploma in Land Surveying (distinction), Kansinally, who was unable to attend last Wednesday’s ceremony, delivered his speech by pre-recorded video.

He noted the need for his colleagues to always remember to push themselves in what they do.

“I wish to emphasise the importance of developing confidence, and pushing yourself that extra mile when you feel like giving up, keeps you self-motivated,” Kansinally said.

He also spoke of how team work played a large role in getting all the students to successfully graduate.

“I think the most important thing that we have learned over the years here at GTI is how much we need each other to succeed. Team sport is better than spoil sport,” Kansinally said.

He back up his testimony by giving a few witty recollection of instances when students, and even the teachers came together and looked out for each other to ensure that tasks were completed.

“The effectiveness of cooperation came out during our preparation for the GTI examinations, where our strengths were truly tried and tested. Seeing the other members of the team determined to press on, I was motivated to follow the multitude in pressing on,” he said.

“Set your goals high, reach for the stars, even if you do not reach them you will still be soaring out there. Work smarter not harder. It’s not how many hours you put into your work but how much work you put into those hours,” Ram told the graduating class.

After many of the students agreed with chairperson, Troy Wishart, that GTI is not commonly considered a place for high achievers, Ram in his speech told the graduates that they should be proud of being GTI alumni.

“You must not feel that as a student of the Government Technical Institute that you are inferior in any shape or form, in anyway. The future of this country, the future of the economy across the region, if not around the world, lies as much if not more in what you do in the field of technology than happens in the academic environment. Technical education can fetch good rewards, status, money, satisfaction and contribution to your own country,” Ram said.

The feature address at the ceremony was delivered by author and workshop facilitator, Dr Joy Wilson, a GTI alumni.

GTI Chairman, Vincent Alexander, and Principal (ag) Renita Crandon Duncan, both former GTI students, also made remarks.

A number of trophies and prizes were presented to the high-achieving students, made possible through the donations of several corporate sponsors, including Gafoors Limited, MACORP, John Fernandes Limited, GBTI, GDF, NBS, GWI, Silvie’s General Store, Republic Bank and NT Computeac.