Published 28 June 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
Prime Minister Harris attends Basseterre High School’s ‘Class of 2018’ Graduation
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, June 28, 2018 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, on Wednesday June 27 was among hundreds of proud parents, guardians, relatives, and well-wishers who joined and supported the over 140 members of the Basseterre High School’s Graduating Class of 2018 at a Thanksgiving and Graduation ceremony held at the St. George’s Anglican Church in Basseterre.
“As Principal of the Basseterre High School I take this opportunity to thank all the parents, guardians, and well-wishers who came out to support us on our 50th Anniversary Graduating Class,” said Mr Maurice Benjamin.
“It was a good showing and we are pleased that you came out to support your children – your loved ones, on this special occasion. We were very honoured to have in our presence the Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, whose daughter Miss Shaiyan Harris was graduating from the Basseterre High School.”
Mr Benjamin also acknowledged the presence of the St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to the USA Dr Thelma Phillip-Browne, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mr William V. Hodge, and the Deputy Chief Education Officer Mr Daryll Lloyd, all who attended the graduation ceremony that was held under the theme ‘Celebrating the Past, Consolidating the Present, Charting the Future’.
“We must also be thankful for Delta Petroleum (Nevis) Limited,” added the Basseterre High School Principal. “They came on board two years ago to start sponsoring graduations at the primary and secondary school level. We are very grateful for this partnership at this time.”
Guest speaker was the school’s P.T.A. President Mr Walwyn Chiverton, who was introduced to the gathering by Mr Basseterre High School, and his son, Lemuel Chiverton, a member of the BHS Graduating Class of 2018.
“When the legacy is written, you can proudly call yourselves Alumni of the 50th year of the best high school in the Universe,” Mr Chiverton told the cheering members of the Graduating Class of 2018. “You graduated when Basseterre High celebrated their Golden Anniversary!”
Mr Chiverton pointed out to the fact that from the theme chosen for the graduation ceremony three questions impressed upon him, which he said were: 1) What about the past do you students celebrate? 2) What can you consolidate today in the present, and 3) What course can you chart for your future?
“In life each of us has a past, a present and a future,” advised Mr Chiverton. “Our past can define us if we let it; the present can mold us if we let it and the future and can shape us also if we allow it. You see it is very important for you as students of the graduating class of 2018 to look back retrospectively and rejoice in the little accomplishments with a celebratory outlook. Rejoice in what you have accomplished together as a group and as individuals.”
The Basseterre High School’s P.T.A. President further noted: “You may have won an award or excelled in some area of your academic or social life – celebrate with your peers or family. Think about all that has occurred over the five years and celebrate. Celebrate the bonds that have been formed with your classmates and friends.”
Members of the graduating class made a number of presentations that wowed all who were present. After they received their certificates, they presented fruit baskets and rosettes to their parents. Master of ceremonies was Mr Roysdean Richards, Guidance Counsellor at the school, who was joined afterwards by Ms Jennifer Williams, a teacher at the school.
Pix captions:
1: Members of the BHS Graduating Class of 2018 leave in an orderly manner at the end of the ceremony which was held at the St. George’s Anglican Church in Basseterre.
2: A cross section of some of the over 140 members of the BHS Graduating Class of 2018.
3: From right: Prime Minister Harris, School Principal Mr Maurice Benjamin, Her Excellency Dr Thelma Phillip-Browne, Mrs Verene Chiverton, and Mr Walwyn Chiverton.
4: Mr BHS, Lemuel Chiverton receiving his certificate from Mrs Verene Chiverton (his mother), as Principal Benjamin looks on.
5: Miss Shaiyan Harris pins a rosette on the lapel of her father, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris.
6: Members of the graduating class made a presentation that symbolised cultural integration and togetherness as a means of celebrating students from other islands who are in St. Kitts.
