BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – NINE promising students officially closed the primary chapter of their learning career and bade an official farewell to their alma mater, the St. Joseph’s Primary School, simultaneously making preparations for the commencement of the secondary chapter of their schooling.

The silent proclamation was made on Tuesday during the school’s graduation ceremony where the children walked the main hall of the Co-cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Basseterre, before their loved ones, flawlessly bedecked in their royal blue graduation gowns.

The graduating class comprised of six girls: Celene Brown, Felicia Carter, Deger Gumbs, Melicia Henry, Karen Phillip, Denice Tyson, and three boys: Yitzak Bass, Jiovanni Cassius and Deondre Bradshaw.

The ceremony featured motivational items including a poem, “Climbing Our Separate Mountain”, rendered by the parents of the graduants, and a dance by the St. Peters Church of God Dancers.

In delivering the featured address, local entrepreneur and motivational speaker Khrystus Wallace encouraged the graduating class to continue striving for excellence while keeping their eyes focused on their goals.

The achievements of students of the learning institution were brought to the fore during the ceremony. Zuwena Herbert, Ajani Davis and Taina French of the First Grade ranked first, second and third respectively in their class for the academic year 2008-2009. The top three in the Second Grade were Tairike Davis, Tyrique Jeffers and Kedidra Taylor, while Shanequa Davis was recognised as the Most Improved Student.

In the first place ranking in the Third Grade was Oksana Isaac, who was followed by Ijaz Bass and Nickeem Spencer in that order. Deondre Morris was recognised as the Most Improved Student for that class, while Kylo Johnson of the Fourth Grade was recognised as the Most Improved in his class.

First place in the Fourth Grade was Treviscia Phillip, Tyra Henry second and Michaela Hodge third, with Kaithlyn Hodge, Azaria Blanchette-Henry placing first and second respectively in the Fifth Grade. Jamal James and Tiana Smith were tied for third place.

Gumbs of the graduating class placed second for the academic year 2008-2009 with Henry placing third. First place was captured by Bass, who was also named the class Valedictorian.
 
The graduants left the ceremony with the certificates presented them, clutched tightly in their hands and their heads held high, seemingly ready for the challenges of life as high school students.