Graduates charged to foster positive attitude

Christopher Thomas, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

One hundred and ninety-five students from the Herbert Morrison Technical High School's graduating class of 2013 received their school-leaving certificates last Thursday.

The graduation ceremony, which was held at the West Jamaica Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists Hall in Montego Bay, saw students from three Grade-13 classes, and 10 Grade-11 classes collecting their certificates, to much fanfare from schoolmates, family members and well-wishers.

There were also musical tributes from members of the school's grade-eight choir, the school band and members of staff, as well as dramatic pieces from the members of the school's theatre arts group.

Guest speaker Nadine Molloy, principal of Ardenne High School and a past president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), charged the graduates to foster a positive attitude towards life, and to live according to correct priorities.

"You have to have the right attitude, arrange your minds so you have a high appreciation for life," said Molloy. "You are not a script on television or a sound bite on the news. Be your producers and make of yourselves what you want to be."

Relationships and opportunities

The former JTA president also advised the students to consider the various relationships and opportunities awaiting them after graduation.

"Think about the relationships that you form. Are these persons good for you? They come into your lives for a season, and they come for a reason," said Molloy. "I wish for you, our graduates, to know that you will get into situations where God will close a door (of opportunity) in your face, in order to show you another door."

In their shared address, valedictorians Amoy Whittaker and Oshando Brydson praised the teachers of the school for their role in the success of the graduating classes.

"Give thanks unto the teachers, students; look upon them, and thank them for being mothers and fathers," said Whittaker.

"Teachers, you are gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and of great patience. Happy are we, the class of 2013, to have met you at the best school in western Jamaica and by extension the whole island, Herbert Morrison," said Brydson.