Pomp And Pageantry Displayed By The Graduating Class of 2017 At Beersheba Primary School – Vincent Samuels

Graduating Class of 2017 Beersheba Primary School

As twenty-three students in the graduating class of 2017 adorned in burgundy gowns with gold sashes marched graciously in pairs to the tune of Elizabeth Serenade from the main entrance into the main auditorium at Beersheba Primary School that later that day would become their alma mater; the official photographer had a difficult time capturing her subjects as parents, relatives and friends of the graduates clicked away with cameras on their android smart phones ensuring that they did not allow themselves to be left out the pomp and pageantry.

Keynote Speaker at the graduating exercise that was held on July 29, 2017 Mr. Charles Benbow, newly appointed Principal at Lewisville High School, New Market, Saint Elizabeth, addressing the class of 2017 on the theme: REACH THE UNREACHABLE STAR, reminded the students that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. “You will all encounter hills, valleys, mountains and unscrupulous persons who will attempt to distract you but you must continue your journey to REACH THE UNREACHABLE STAR” Mr. Benbow told the students. Reminding them of impoverished conditions from which they came, Mr. Benbow told the students  that humble beginnings should not be used as impediments to prevent them from excelling and rise above challenges and circumstances that they have been experiencing. “While you REACH FOR THE UNREACHABLE STAR, continue to be children, play and have fun” Mr. Benbow exhorted the students.

Concluding his address that was punctuated with repeated applause from the audience, Mr. Benbow named five things that he wanted the students to remember as they leave Beersheba Primary School where they were accustomed to being pampered and nurtured to attend High Schools and Tertiary Institutions that are different learning environment:

1. Do not waste time worrying about what you are going to do in high school.
2. Every test you take will decide your future.
3. Take on challenges and risks that you will encounter.
4. Balance your life as you juggle your various objectives.
5. Time will go very fast.

Valedictorian Nasheena Dobbs and Mother Nola Delisser

Nasheena Dobbs from the impoverished peasant farming district of Flint Valley and daughter of Nola Delisser Janitor at Beersheba Primary School in delivering the Validictory Address, expressed gratitude on behalf of her classmates for invaluable support they have received from family members, relatives, friends and teachers. Nasheena who took the coveted first place in 2017 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) with a passing grade of 83% that qualifies her as a beneficiary of James Richards Educational Trust Fund that will enable her to attend Mount Alvernia High School in Montego Bay where she has been placed by the Ministry of Education; exhorted her graduating classmates to stay in touch with each other.

Greetings from Beersheba Old Students Association (BOSA) to the class of 2017 was delivered by the Association’s Secretary/Treasurer who reminded the students that in the same way that he has used education to unshackle himself from poverty while growing up as a child in “Mount Ease” Flint Valley and attending Beersheba Primary School barefooted with one suit of khaki uniform to earn two University Degrees and become a writer and author, they can do likewise.

The Secretary/Treasurer gave each member of the graduating class a copy of his book: FROM BEERSHEBA TO BERMUDA published by Mandeville Publishers Limited (2014) ISBN: 978-976-95554-2-6, The book which is a novel, relates the story how James “Dick” Richards (1872-1965) Beersheba Primary School Alumnus, Soldier, Self-made Businessman, Philanthropist and Icon, used education to unshackle himself from poverty in his humble peasant farming birthplace in Carr District, New market, Saint Elizabeth to become one of the wealthiest black men in Bermuda and one of the Principal Shareholders in Bermuda National Bank and Real Estate Owner in that country.

Other participants at the graduation exercise were: Rev. Christopher Eupha, Chairman School Board Beersheba Primary School who chaired the function, Envoy Glennis Smith, Commanding Officer for The Salvation Army Carr Corp and Beersheba Primary School Alumnus who invoked God’s Blessings on the proceedings, Joshua Jackson, member of the graduating class of 2017 who read the scripture lesson that was taken from Proverbs 4:1-7, Mrs. Naomi Foster-Brooks, Acting Principal Beersheba Primary School who presented the Principal’s Report for 2016/2017 School Year, Mr. Valdes Hamilton, member of the School Board and Beersheba Primary School Alumnus who handed out special awards to the students, Miss Velita Cain, Grade 6 Trained Teacher at the school who presented certificates to the students  and a representative from Getrude Farquharson Foundation who handed out awards to some of the students.