During the first drive-in graduation ceremony held for ESHS at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) grounds on Thursday, 127 students officially bid farewell to the high school.

Noting the high percentage of honourees, ESHS Principal Vanessa Garraway described the Class of 2020 as a resilient and determined group.

“I am pleased to share that of the 127 graduates, there are 72 honour students and 13 high honour students, together representing 59 percent of the class,” Garraway said.

She also noted that a number of the graduates were taking college courses in addition to their high school studies year.

“Twenty of our 12th-Grade students met the requirements to take college English and Mathematics in their final year, earning them college credits. For the very first time this school year, 10 of our students were early admittance students at the HLSCC. There they were full-time students completing at least 12 credits each semester while still completing their graduation requirements at ESHS and reaping success in both ventures,” she said.

Give strong consideration to HLSCC

Meanwhile, in a pre-recorded address, Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley encouraged the graduating class to give strong consideration to the HLSCC.

He described it as a “quality institution which is heavily supported by the Government of the Virgin Islands”.

The minister further reminded students that Belongers are not required to pay for tuition and non-Belongers pay extremely affordable rates.

Congratulatory remarks

Premier Andrew Fahie made a virtual appearance at the ceremony to commend the students on their achievements.

“You have a lot to be proud of, and everyone is proud of you. Many obstacles came in your way in the last few years, but you overcame them, and today, victory is yours,” he told the graduates.

“Always remember the BVI is your home sweet home and we are depending on you to build and shape the country into a place that you would be proud and happy to live in,” Premier Fahie added.

This year’s valedictorian was Alexia Penn while Zakila Frett was the graduating class’ salutatorian.