Information Minister Challenges Students to Remain Focused

Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, has challenged graduates of the Mayfield All Age School in Southfield, St. Elizabeth, to remain focused on their dreams and goals, as they move into the next phase of their education.

Addressing a graduation ceremony at her alma mater on July 2, at the St. Mark Church hall in Southfield, St. Elizabeth, the Minister said it is important for the graduates to focus on their goals in order to effectively run the next leg of their education race.

“You have done your school, your parents and all of us proud in the GSAT examinations this year. But Mayfield is not the end of the road for you. Today you will be handed the baton as you get ready to run the next leg of the relay of your life,” she said.

Senator Falconer also encouraged the students to draw inspiration from top Jamaican athletes, in preparing for a successful future.

“Graduates, as you prepare for the next leg of the race, you have to condition yourselves as Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell or Shelly-Ann Fraser would. No one can run your race for you, you have to run each leg yourself,” the Minister told them.

She urged the students to remain determined and focused on success, and never to give up or give in as they enter high school and even beyond.

Meanwhile, Senator  Falconer lauded  the administration of the school for the work they have been doing, and expressed thanks for the lessons  she learnt while being a student at the Mayfield All Age School.

“This school means a lot to me. It has given me much. The valuable lessons I have learnt on these hallowed grounds laid the foundation for much of what I am today,” she said.

Principal of the school, George Lewis, expressed delight at the successes that the school has been reaping, especially in the results of the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

He pointed out that of the 33 students who took the GSAT, the top 12 students had averages ranging from 91.6 to 99.2 per cent.

Mr. Lewis added that the school has also achieved successes in extra curricula activities, to include the TVJ National Primary School Quiz, the JCDC festival competitions, and 4-H activities as well as in the field of sports.