Nine persons have beaten the odds and earned their Secondary Education School Leaving Certificates as part of the Alternative Secondary Education Programme (ASEP) Graduation Exercise for the Class of 2014.

Joan E. Adams is the top student who achieved first place in English Language and Social Studies.  She was awarded a Laptop from the Ministry of Education and Culture.  Ethel Alexander achieved first place in Computer Application and received an iPad for her achievement.

The other graduates were Kesron Agard, Walden Benjamin, Glenville Callwood, Jareem Fahie, Sharma King-Frett, Donald Hanley and Bjon Smith.  Of the nine graduates, six were males.

Two other students in the programme were also recognized for their performance. Rochelle Weir achieved first place in Human and Social Biology and Dajshon Benjamin achieved first place in Mathematics.

Weir and Benjamin were able to sit the exams in the respective subjects and gain top positions. These two students would be among the graduating class for the 2014–2015 school year.  Kessron Agard received credits for four of the five subjects he wrote.

At the graduation ceremony held yesterday, December 1, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn congratulated the students noting that the occasion was a celebration of new beginnings in their lives.  He commended the students on their stellar performances and encouraged them to expand their horizons in education and in life.

Minister Walwyn said, “Your achievement today is promising and clearly illustrates that you have begun to take responsibility for your own successes and your own failures.”

The Education Minister continued, “You made a decision and remained committed to your education in spite of the seeming instability during times of turmoil.  Some of you have achieved more than others with ease; some of you had to work harder to meet the challenges. Either way, this evening you need to acknowledge where you are, accept where you are and then prepare to move on to tomorrow.”

Honourable Walywn told the class that no one can change their lives but themselves. He highlighted the success of ASEP, and listed several past graduates who have moved on to become bank supervisors, entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, day care owners, firefighters, nurses and graduates from Tertiary institutions.

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley in her remarks congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and encouraged them to move on to greater successes. She stated that the ASEP has given them wings to fly high.

“Do not be satisfied with today’s accomplishments,” she told the graduates, adding, “Plan to achieve many more successes.  Just map out your goals and dreams. Keep the right perspective, embrace God’s will for your lives and look forward to a bright future. Make the ASEP proud by your strong, ethical, and excellent contributions.”

Coordinator of the Programme Mrs. Cecily Malone, told the class that education never ends and encouraged the students to continue their studies and enroll at the local Community College.

“This is the beginning of your life. Now that you have a secondary certificate, you go out there, use it and build on it.  You cannot be complacent, not in today’s world.  The more education you get the better your life becomes,” Mrs Malone said.

The Ministry of Education and Culture supports the Alternative Secondary education programme which provides a second chance to earn a school leaving certificate as it continues its quest toCreate a Culture of Excellence. 

NOTE TO EDITORS
CORRECTION
The Class of 2014 marks the 12th graduation exercise for the Alternative Secondary Education Programme and not the 14thas was stated in the press advisory.