Some 36 students (10 boys and 26 girls) graduated from the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School- Secondary Division on Sunday, August 9, 2020. Photo: Facebook

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in his message to the students, described the occasion as a major accomplishment. Photo: Facebook

The Commencement Speaker at the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School-Secondary Division on August 9, 2020, was Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley, the Virgin Islands’ only local dermatologist, who is the CEO of her company, BrivaDERM Limited. Photo: Team of Reporters

10 of the 36 graduating students were boys. Photo: Facebook

Known for producing top students in the Territory, the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School-Secondary Division bid farewell to 36 (10 boys and 26 girls) of its senior students at its 2020 Graduation Ceremony held at the school in Sea Cows Bay on Sunday, August 9, 2020. Photo: Provided

Principal Wade W. Tobin and wife with their daughter and 2020 graduate of the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School, K’Asia M. Tobin, centre. Photo: Facebook

Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser (RA), acknowledged the hard work of the students and their commitment to their education. Photo: Facebook

Recognition and thanks were also given to Mathematics teacher, Dr Troy Brown, who will be leaving the institution after 15 years of service. Photo: Facebook

The Valedictorian was Kayla K.M. Manning and Salutatorian Lia R. Claxton.

‘Major accomplishment’

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), in his message to the students, described the occasion as a major accomplishment.

“Your hard work and resilience has shined through the adversities faced during this global pandemic, COVID-19. In a time where many feel hopeless, you were able to maintain focus, actualise your goals and emerge successful in your studies.”

Dr Wheatley added that this year has been a journey that showed their discipline, dedication and perseverance and appealed to them to never stray from that path.”

‘Forge ahead’- Hon Fraser

Also present was Third District Representative, Hon Julian Fraser (RA), who acknowledged the hard work of the students and their commitment to their education.

“Forge ahead because the future of this country depends on you.”

He also encouraged the parents to redouble the efforts they have started and, while encouraging the Principal, Mr Wade W. Tobin, and staff, said he looks forward to following the students’ progress.

Meanwhile, Principal Tobin, giving some words of advice to the graduating class, encouraged them to be optimistic, humble, determined and innovative in times of adversity.

He noted that of the 36 completing their studies for matriculation, 17 were graduating with honours, with three being boys.

The future

The Class of 2020, according to Principal Tobin, comprises future doctors, lawyers, engineers, physicians, biologists, entrepreneurs, teachers, pastors, principals and fervent Christians.

Principal Tobin’s daughter K’Asia M. Tobin was also one of the students graduating.

Recognition and thanks were also given to Mathematics teacher, Dr Troy Brown, who will be leaving the institution after 15 years of service.

Overcomers

The Commencement Speaker was Dr Shakima Stoutt-Ottley, the Virgin Islands’ only local dermatologist, who is the CEO of her company, BrivaDERM Limited.

Stoutt-Ottley praised the students to overcoming the many challenges and also gave praise to the parents for helping the students through the difficult circumstances.

‘It is your responsibility, not your parents, to unapologetically use the newfound strength…and skills. Build your own ladder to success with what you have gained.”

Valedictorian Manning said her graduating class was dealt a heavy hand with Hurricane Irma and Maria in September 2017 and then the COVID-19 Pandemic three years later and those unexpected realities changed the course of their lives forever.

“We never thought our senior year would turn out like this,” but said with the help of God they persevered.