–Dr. Cummings tells North West Secondary’s graduating Class of 2018

By Margaret Burke

IT was the kind of rousing address that no doubt, took many of the older heads in the audience back down memory lane to a time when they, too, stood in the very shoes of the 84 youngsters in whose honour the event was being held.

The occasion was the grand Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony at the North West Secondary School, and delivering the keynote address was none other than Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings.

Congratulating all 84 students on their scholastic achievements at the June sitting of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, Dr Cummings said: “Today marks the end of a five-year journey that was filled with countless hours spent in preparation for the examination, which culminated in the successful arrival at the point of graduation.

“During your preparation period, you have had many challenges: Lots of late nights, myriad assignments that had to be submitted like yesterday, SBAs to be completed last week, and I can go on. However, your motivation to succeed has contributed to your being able to conquer the challenges and arrive at this point. I can imagine how awesome you feel to be a part of this ceremony.”

The ceremony was held in the school’s auditorium, which was packed to capacity, and overflowing unto the corridors and into other parts of the school.

Hinting at what lies on the road ahead, now that they have crossed the first hurdle, Dr. Cummings said: “Whilst in the classroom, you have mastered many new skills, both practically and theoretically; these skills are the foundation on which you launch yourselves into the future.”

A MOMENTOUS DAY

“On this momentous day, your life takes an exhilarating turn. There are several paths ahead of you; you must consider whether you want to enter the world of work or further your studies by entering university life and build on your solid foundation that you have received from North West Secondary School.”

She also urged that as they move toward the future, they should never be afraid to dream big, but be cognisant of the fact that dreams without goals will never become a reality.

“Without the adherence to the principles necessary to fulfil those goals, your dreams will remain just dreams, and never be fulfilled. As you move forward, aspire to be agents of social change; aim to make a difference in your communities and society through innovative thinking, creativity, and research.”

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Dr. Cummings said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Use the knowledge and skills gained to change your community, your region, your country, and ultimately the world.”

She also urged that they never forget from whence they came. “As you go out into the world, remember your alma mater; it is the teachings and the lessons gained in this institution that has prepared you for the future.”
“Be kind to your teachers; they have contributed in no small measure to your success. And as you approach adulthood, continue to be grateful for the sacrifices that your parents and guardians have made to see you arrive at this point in your lives. Let gratitude be one of your watchwords as you venture into the good life.”

HM’S REPORT

Headeacher, Ms. Keshia Cameron reported that while the past academic year had promised to be a year of challenges and new commitments from the inception, “We rose above the challenges and consequently, today we are celebrating our accomplishments,” she said.

She noted that seventy-two ‘eager’ students joined the school at the start of the school year, bringing the school’s population to 666 students, 286 males and 381 females for the 2017-2018 school year.

Ms. Cameron stated that the school got the children involved in a number of extra-curricular activities, which included athletic championships, debating competitions, food nutrition and health quizzes, as well as the national science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fair.

“We recognise that our school encompasses a diversity of culture,” she said. “Therefore students and teachers participated in Amerindian Heritage celebrations and Culture Day, where classrooms were decorated, and clothing, dishes and other contributions to Guyanese culture were on exhibition. We also observed other national holidays, and did what was customary at the school.”

Ms. Cameron said that she was very pleased to report to the country that the North-West Secondary School performed exceptionally well at the 2018 examination, jumping some percentages above that of 2017.

The school’s overall passes by grade in 2017 was: Grades One to Three, 53.4 per cent; Grades One to Four 78 per cent.

The overall passes by grade for 2018 were: One to Two, 61 per cent; and Grades One to Four, 93 per cent.

REDO REPORTS

The Regional Education District Officer also expressed much satisfaction with the improved performance at this year’s CSEC examinations, especially in English Language, where the region secured 65 per cent Grades One to Three, as compared to last year’s 36.3 per cent. Further, he stated that this year’s overall pass rate was 58.2 per cent, as compared to last year’s 46.5 per cent.

“This increase in performance can be attributed to several initiatives that were started by the team of officers of the Department of Education Barima-Waini in Region One. We also continue to send our teachers for training at GSA, CPCE and the University of Guyana,” he noted.

He went on to state that specialists from NCERD and other departments of the Ministry of Education are also invited into the region from time to time to aid the teachers. Further, he said that the officers have adopted a strategy of talking to the fifth formers and doing whatever is possible to help them achieve their goals.

“And in the top 233 students of this beautiful country of ours, we have Mr. Mark Wilburg from the North West Secondary school making the list.
YES! He is among the cream of the crop! And yes! He is from the North West Secondary School, and we are all proud of him and all the other students who made us proud this year,” the REDO stated.

Minister of Public Affairs in the Office of the President, Ms. Dawn Hasting-Williams, who also played a key role in the proceedings, charged the students to do of their best, encouraging them to aim for the sky and to let their graduation from the North West Secondary School be a stepping stone for greater things in life.