Former St. Gabriel’s student Makala Williams (r) presenting top students Shannon Vaughan (c) and Muhammad Makda with the sheild.
St. Gabriel’s Principal, Angela Blackett (l), with ‘Most Improved students’ Miyka’El Bryan (c) and Samantha Corbin.
STUDENTS preparing to enter secondary school in September are being encouraged not to get caught up and lost in the crowd, but to continue to strive for what they know is right.
This was the advice prominent media personality Belle Holder presented to the 2017 graduates of St. Gabriel’s School, as she delivered the featured address at their graduation ceremony, where she also urged them to continue to exhibit behaviour that they know will make them and their parents proud.
“Use social media wisely – a picture, a video, a comment that you post today can have consequences for you years from now and into adulthood, and when you are thinking about your career. Your digital footprints never disappear,” she said.
Holder also encouraged the graduates to use the summer vacation to reward themselves for all of the hard work and studies they put into facing the 11 plus Examination.
However, she also advised them to use the summer to plan for the time ahead, write down goals, hopes and dreams, eventually creating a dream board and filling it with all they want to accomplish.
“Being “thankful” is one of the themes for your graduating year. To be thankful is to pass on and share your blessings with others who may not be as fortunate.
“Take advantage of any opportunities for volunteerism and service to others, you will certainly realise that acts of service and giving will often have a positive return and enrich your lives,” Holder said.
Meanwhile, Principal Angela Blackett indicated that while 57 students sat the 11 Plus Examination this year, the average for Mathematics was 82 per cent compared with the National Average of 55 per cent. For Language Arts, the school’s average was 85 per cent and the National Average was 70 per cent.
“Of the 57 students that sat the examination, 40 were awarded their first and second choices and 17 their 3rd choices onwards,” Blackett explained.
The school’s top female student this year is Shannon Vaughan, while Muhammad Makda took the top spot among the males.
Miyka’El Bryan was awarded the prize for “most improved male”, while Samantha Corbin was awarded the prize for “most improved female”.
The "Spirit of St. Gabriel’s award" was given to Jordan Greig. (AH)