Adventist Christian Education Lauded at 57th Willowdene High School Graduation

On June 30, thirty-nine graduates joined many before them as living testament to the elevating impact of Adventist Christian education (ACE) during the 57th graduation exercise of the high school division of the Willowdene Group of Schools (WGS), 57 Brunswick Avenue Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

 

Faculty, staff, parents, stakeholders and supporters gathered to celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024 and the school in the past academic year some of which were highlighted by WGS Principal, Peter Williams during a video report. They include:

- Over 68% of the students who sat the CESC exam in 2023 earned a range of 5 to 11 subjects with grades 1 and 2 passes.

- Three graduates in the 2024 batch attained CSEC passes prior to this year’s sitting namely: Terell Gordon (Information Technology), Dehnia Hylton (Food and Nutrition, Music, Physical Education, Family & Resource Mgt.) and Jadon Thomas (Human and Social Biology).

- Outstanding performance in customer service by Sharie Angus who was recognised as the top City and Guilds student at level one.

 

While results from the 2024 sitting of the CSEC and the City and Guilds examinations are not yet available, Williams has expressed confidence that the diligent work of the faculty and students will yield great results.

 

Guided by the theme ‘Stepping Forward in Faith: Embracing the Future With Confidence’, guest speaker, Dr. Orlando Thomas, who operates the Thomas Medical Centre in Old Harbour, related his story of triumph over poverty, hunger and hardship to achieve his goals.

 

In response to the reality that, as Dr. Thomas related anecdotally, many students face financial hardship, several donors contributed scholarships and grants which were distributed at the graduation ceremony as follows:

 

Dennis White Scholarship
Jermaine Nicholson

Douglas’ Grant Scholarship for Most Improved Student
David Wellington

Maurice McKenzie Grant
Jhinaee Henry
Steven Menzie
David Wellington

Northern Caribbean University Scholarship
Jadon Thomas
Dehnia Hylton

Alumni Association Scholarships (Class of 1982)
(50% tuition in addition to $J20,000.00 towards the payment of CSEC)
Kiera Thomas
Francene Easy

Zackie Solution Scholarship
($US 500.00 for five years)
Samuel Newell

Gyles Family Scholarship
(100% tuition scholarship 2024-2025)
Amanda Reid

Home 2K Ministries Grant (Judith Forbes)
Tuition Scholarship of $100,000.00
Tashell Fuller

 

Vice Principal of the WGS, Jasmine Lawrence Brown, invited others to “catch the fever” of contributing to tuition and school development so more students can access a Willowdene education.

 

Having overcome the inevitable student challenges, graduates Jhinaee Henry and Steven Menzie shared reflections on their memorable journey.

 

Jhinaee shared that she will always be grateful for the guidance she received at Willowdene.

 

“When I started out at this school I lacked motivation and honestly I just came here because it was closer to home. However, not only did my work ethic improve but I learned the value of hard work and setting priorities. This institution provided me with a Christ-centred atmosphere that forms Christlike relationships. The loving teachers and staff saw something in me and nurtured me into the person I am today,” she said.

 

Steven also expressed gratitude for the Christian atmosphere.

 

“This school has helped some of us like myself to take the step of going into the watery grave of baptism and becoming a Seventh-day Adventist Christian. I wonder how different it would have been and the privilege I would have lost if my mother had decided to send me to another institution. My academic achievements and spiritual walk are a testament to the patient values that were instilled in us and I am a proud student of the Willowdene Group of Schools,” he shared.

 

Two persons who graduated from Willowdene decades ago shared similar sentiments as they were recognised as this year’s product sample. They are Yvette Scott (class of 1989), former deputy CEO of the Registrar General’s Department and agronomist Morris Taylor (class of 1972). Both received plaques.

 

Faculty and staff received tributes and tokens for their dedication to the success of the graduates.

 

Parents were also recognised for supporting the school and students. Several were highlighted for making outstanding contributions to school development including: Kerry-Ann Esson, Mr & Mrs Stephen Millingen, Mr & Mrs Richard Thomas, Mr & Mrs Berrington Gordon and Mr & Mrs Corville Hylton.

 

As Willowdene High School nurtures high school students, it does so at younger levels also. The preparatory school joins in celebrating the impact of ACE with commendable results for the 2023-24 academic year.

Fifty-seven students sat the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exam with 56 earning pathway 1 and one in pathway 2. Principal Williams notes that some students were not at their grade level when they started at Willowdene Prep but that the faculty were able to bring them up to standard.

Williams is encouraging parents to give their children the benefit of ACE. He notes that students can complete their entire education from early childhood up to high school at Willowdene. Registration is now ongoing for the new school year beginning September 2024.

 

 

To view photo highlights from the Willowdene High School Graduation, click HERE