Young School-Leavers Encouraged to Pave Way for Families

Graduates of Lyssons Primary School in St. Thomas have been encouraged to pave the way for their families as they take on the next stage of their lives, by Acting Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Dr. Kasan Troupe.

“Your parents and [other relatives] have invested in you… . Whatever you can do to open the doors for them, you should. Whatever you can do to help a fellowman, a classmate in your new school, try and be helpful,” she said, during an impassioned presentation at the school’s valedictory and prizegiving service, held at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay, on July 4.

Dr. Troupe further encouraged the school-leavers that as they continue their journey, “you have to pull others along the bright path… you have to help them; you have to open the door for your families, so that they can have all the good things that you want for yourself”.

This year, Lyssons Primary School marks its 50th anniversary and celebrates its legacy of excellence.

Dr. Troupe urged the graduates to continue making strides with this legacy of their alma mater in mind as well as to hurdle their challenges and to be hard-working in all their endeavours.

Principal, Evette Bonfield Beecher, in her report, outlined some of the achievements of the institution this academic year, including a first-place win in the St. Thomas leg of the National Spelling Bee competition.

Students also received silver and bronze in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions as well as a first-place trophy in the South Eastern Regional Health Authority (SERHA) ‘No tobacco day’ competition.

A major accomplishment was the school being dubbed the athletic powerhouse in Jamaica among primary schools, having retained a regional and national win for the second consecutive year at the INSPORTS/Devon Biscuits National Primary Schools Championship.

“At Lyssons Primary School, we believe in a holistic approach to education, so while there is a strong emphasis on the academic achievement of our students, we provide excellent opportunities for them to excel and hone their various skills that will enable them to become rounded individuals,” the principal said.

During the ceremony, several prizes were also handed out, including those for excellent performance in this year’s sitting of the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations.

The top girl and top boy with the most outstanding performances in PEP were Janiya Johnson, who has earned a place at Immaculate Conception High School, and Nashon Beckford, who will be attending Ardenne High School come September.