SAINT Stanislaus College held their annual graduation and prize giving ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday, where they acknowledged all their students who would have done well during the 2017/2018 academic year, and paid tribute to those who are leaving.

This year’s feature address was presented by Major General (Ret’d) and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Joseph Singh, who gave the students a number of charges.
Singh started off by highlighting that the student’s completion of this level of education was an accumulative contribution of their disciplined approach to their studies, their diligence during school, the hours of lessons and homework, the commitment and expertise of their teachers, and the love and support of parents and relatives of the extended family.
He urged them to use the foundation they have gained to prepare themselves for an evolving future.

“Prepare for changes. Do not look at yourself by thinking that the market of today will be the one tomorrow. We are now in the process of constant change, and by the time you get out of the university, the world will be different. New skills will be needed for the society of technology that will be evolving. You therefore have to make yourselves marketable for what is to come,” Singh admonished.
He reflected on a speech made by His Excellency President David Granger, who was the feature speaker at last year’s ceremony.

“Last year the President reminded us of the history and tradition of Saint Stanislaus College; and embedded in that tradition is the embodiment of values which are the moral principles and qualities that will shape you as students. He gave the vision of the future of Guyana and the roles the current and future generations will play in providing the leadership of skills to realise that vision.”
Education is a continuing process, he said, “and the college is educating you for eternity, by providing you with the foundation and tools so that you can be ready for next opportunity that presents itself.”

He also encouraged the students to make use of the human resources in Guyana, to get the inspiration they need to keep striving. “Each of life’s experiences prepares us, enriches us and expands us for better or for worse. I urge you to read widely, to observe and to converse. If you are looking for role models, you do not have to go very far, we have recently, at the University of Guyana, honoured four icons with honourary doctorates… Google websites obtain profiles of these eminent Guyanese and be inspired,” he encouraged.

Principal of the school, Fazia Baksh expressed how delighted she and the school are for what they have accomplished in this academic year and the previous ones. She shared that according to the 2018 CSEC results, the students have done exceptionally well.

They attained passes in additional mathematics – 58 per cent; agricultural science – 100 per cent; biology – 97 per cent; Caribbean history – 100 per cent; chemistry – 82 per cent; economics, EDPM, English A, English B, food and nutrition, geography, human and social biology, information technology, integrated science, technical drawing, mathematics, office administration, principles of business, physical education and sport, Portuguese – all 100 per cent passes. French – 79 per cent; physics, principles of accounts – 97 per cent; social studies – 98 per cent; Spanish – 69 per cent.

Sherlock Langevine was this year’s top student, with 14 Grade Ones. Baksh stated that the school is extremely proud and is anticipating what their students will contribute in the future.