Harbour Island All Age School Speech and Awards Ceremony

Students At Harbour Island All Age School

On Sunday, June 1st, 2008, The Harbour Island All Age School held its High School graduation. The commencement ceremony was hosted by the Wesley Methodist Church on Dunmore Street, and began at 3pm. ‘Ordered for a Purpose: Journeying to Success’ was the theme of the 2008 graduating class, and a blue banner boldly conveying this message hung from the top of the church’s altar.

As the entrance music played, the audience proudly watched as the graduates marched up to the altar with smiles on their faces.  This day of celebration was not to be missed by many, as every pew in the church was filled; the ushers had to get extra chairs to accommodate the amount of guests that were present. 

Dereika Pinder and Joshua Wells (11^th grade students) moderated the ceremony, and both did an excellent job.  Words of encouragement were given by the District Superintendent, Mr. Rudolph Smith, the Local Administrator, Ms. Brenda Colebrooke, and the Principal of the Harbour Island All Age School, Mr. Michael Culmer.  Mr. Smith and Ms. Colebrooke emphasized the importance of the parents, guardians and teachers; both going on to say that the graduates have to remain focused on their goals while abstaining from negative situations.  Mr. Culmer (serving in his first year as principal at the all age school) summed up the entire year for the audience, stating all of the obstacles encountered by the school.  He also mentioned how he along with his staff, students, their parents, and a prayer group were able to overcome such challenges by doing the best they could with what they had.

The keynote speaker for the occasion was Mr. Darvin Toussaint (of The College of The Bahamas) and he delivered a powerfully astounding speech like no other.  Using humorous metaphors, giving life lessons and reminiscing about past experiences, he was not only able to energize the graduating class of 2008, but everyone within and nearby the church.  He was deliberately repetitive about the students not losing focus on who they were as individuals.  “Do not try to be someone that you are not, just be yourself!” he exclaimed.  He even alluded to the importance of individuality when he first started his speech by saying he did not come to fill anyone’s shoes, as he brought his own shoes from Nassau.  His speech ended by him quoting words from Phil Stubb’s ‘Perservere’ song, and everyone in the church stood up and applauded him for the positive message that he gave to the graduates. 

The commencement exercise not only consisted of speeches, but also a liturgical dance, the presentation of awards, the singing of songs, a poem by one of the graduates (Oprah Johnson) and trumpet playing by two of the graduates (Patrick Lewis & Antonio Knowles).  Valedictorian and Head Girl, Chana Imlach, gave her valedictorian speech and described the graduates’ growth throughout high school.  She made a special mention of the parents, teachers and principals who all assisted in their success.  “Mr. Culmer was like Jesus, he was everywhere!” she said.  The audience laughed at this remark and then listened carefully as Chana continued on her speech. 

Member of Parliament, Alvin Smith, showed up later in the ceremony to deliver some positive words.  He mentioned that the Harbour Island All Age School will be getting four new classrooms for the next school year.  Principal Culmer was very excited about the news, and said he hopes to see more changes in the future.  He went on to warn the students to celebrate their graduation in a cautious manner, as they still have examinations pending.  The graduation ceremony lasted until 6:30pm, and the exit of the class of 2008 was a joyful and enthusiastic one; they all left the church with smiles on their faces.