Middlesex Primary students called on to strive for excellence

Christopher Bodden, Gleaner Writer

HANOVER:The Middlesex Corner Primary School conducted its annual graduation ceremony and prize-giving exercise for grade six students last Wednesday at the Greenland United Church under the theme 'Let's Reach Higher: Strive for Excellence'.

Fifty-six students from the school will be moving on to high schools across the parish come September.

In her address, principal of the school, Claudette Dixon, said there were many achievements as well as challenges faced by the school during the year but that despite the hurdles, she was proud of the students' effort in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The school's Top Boy award went to Davion Walters, who earned an average of 91.6 per cent in the GSAT and will be attending the Russea's High School in September. He also scored the highest marks in the five subject areas, which earned him the top awards in all those categories.

The Top Girl award was presented to Ashley Ferguson for her average of 85 per cent. She will be attending Mount Alvernia High School. Neshawn Stapleton was given the Outstanding Boy award for his average of 90.4 per cent.

In his keynote address, mathematics coordinator of the Ministry of Education's Region Four, Warren Brown, urged the students to not waste time upon reaching secondary school.

"High school will be more challenging, so don't waste your time. Be careful on your journey," he cautioned. "Students, you can achieve anything you want once you put in the hard work. Stay away from negative things."

Brown also encouraged parents to be more involved in their children's lives. He said students who excelled academically often benefited from greater parental involvement.

In concluding, he congratulated the youngsters for having cleared the GSAT hurdle and wished them success in their endeavours.

"Excellence is yours for the taking," he said.