124 students took the stage to receive their High School Diploma and other special prizes as ESHS conducted their Graduation Exercise yesterday at the HLSCC campus. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman'

2018 valedictorian, Beyonce Defreitas also received the 2018 Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounts and the Grant for the Highest Achievement in Tourism. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman'

A moment of silence was observed for Shadeka Patrick, 12 grader that died in June 2018. Shadeka Patrick was awarded an honorary Diploma. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka 'The Sportsman'

Some 124 students graduated out of a total of 139 who enrolled. 15 failed to meet the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education, despite some three opportunities to resit exams and subjects they failed. In her remarks, Principal of the ESHS, Sandy M. Underhill told the class of 2018 “Our school suffered tremendous loss from the devastation from the hurricane, but you did not let that deter you.”

Principal Underhill reflected that following Hurricanes  Irma and Maria, ESHS was one of many buildings that was flatten and left in reins  with nowhere for students to study. Minister for Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn (AL) then provided a temporary campus at the Clarence Thomas Limited (CTL) building, in Pasea, and some tents with shifts system for the students.

Challenging year

In his concratulatory remarks, Mr Walwyn praised the students for meeting the requirments to graduate despite all the challenges they faced. Also speaking was outgoing Premier and former Leader of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Dr the Honorable D. Orlando Smith (AL) and the Guest Speaker, Dr Richard Georges of the graduating class of 1998. 

He told graduating students, that the Territory was proud of their commitment and passion for education. The five top students achievers, who maintained an ‘A’ average every term from Grade 7 to Grade 12, were honored and received prizes They were the 2018 valedictorian Beyonce Defreitas, The 2018 salutatorian, Shamika Langford, Smeralda Avril, and Abdiel Mateo. Shanique Sully was rewarded for maintaining an ‘A’ average each year for the 6 grades.

Other Special awards were the 2018 Award for Outstanding Performance in Accounts and the Grant for the Highest Achievement in Tourism, which both went to Beyonce Defreitas and the Humanitarian Award given to Jonique Gordon- 330 hours and Shayne Grant- 267 hours, students who exceeded the requirements for Community Service Hours.

Other government officials present to celebrate with the students and staff were Minister of Communications and Work, Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Andrew A. Fahie, Opposition Leader and District 1 representative.