Members of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), Secondary Division, graduating class of 2017. Photo: VINO

Proud alumni of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC). Photo: VINO

Ms J’Sally Oneil, Salutatorian, noted that her class is 'unique in various ways.' Photo: VINO

Ms Glenda I. A. Stevens, Principal of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), expressed that her two years as principal was challenging, but admitted there were some 'moments of pure bliss.' Photo: VINO

Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) urged the Class of 2017 to lend their fresh knowledge in helping the Territory to become a better place. Photo: VINO

Pastor Gleason Brooks, keynote speaker, explained to the graduating class that what they have endured in high school, is nothing compared to what you will face when they are actually in race. Photo: VINO

Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL) speaking at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre's Graduation Ceremony on June 29, 2017. Photo: VINO

The Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) graduating Class of 2017. Photo:VINO

While the graduating class is small in number, Ms Oneil noted that her class is “unique in various ways.” The graduating class consists of junior tourism ministers, pageant queens, rising track stars, debaters and skilled athletes.

The Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC) Secondary Division graduated 29 senior students. Out of the 29 students, 3 students secured placements in the top ten academic list of the Territory: J’Nique Williams, Valedictorian was 3rd place; J’Sally O’Neil, Salutatorian placed 8^th; and Anika Christopher, honour student was 9th place.

‘You’ve only just begun to live’

Ms Glenda I. A. Stevens, Principal of BFEC, who is proceeding on retirement leave this year, expressed that her two years as principal was challenging, but admitted there were some “moments of pure bliss.”

“You’ve only just begun to live. Which road will you choose? Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Today you decide your future. You have the power to shape your destiny. Adapt an ‘I can do it’ because ‘I deserve it’ mentality. Even if the naysayers say you can’t, prove them wrong. The power is within you to become great,” said Ms Stevens.

She continued, “Let us all reject the Burger King mentality, where everyone wants to have it their way… In life, it does not work that way.”

Premier, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) urged the Class of 2017 to lend their fresh knowledge in helping the Territory to become a better place:

“The market is ripe for professionals of different areas of expertise to share their knowledge, and as such, we need your vision, innovative thinking, passion and energies to help take the territory to the next level.”

‘You have been preparing for the journey that is life’

Pastor Gleason Brooks, keynote speaker, is a senior pastor at the Church of God-Holiness in Virgin Gorda. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion Pastoral Ministry from the then, Kansas City College and Bible School, now known as Kansas Christian College (KCC).

During his words of inspiration, he said, “You have been preparing for the journey that is life. However, what you have endured is nothing compared to what you will face when you are in the actual race. God has created you for great things and the end of high school is not the final finish line,” remarked Pastor Brooks.

Sharing similar sentiments was Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (AL),who added that the academic journey gave the graduates an opportunity to grow and learn and this will assist in preparing them to become better citizens of the world.