By Abisola Abiola

Cheslin Maloney and Yvado Simmons were granted the Premier’s Award on Tuesday, July 6^th during the St. Thomas’ Primary School Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony. The awards were given to the students for the most outstanding academic achievement in the Test of Standards examination.

The results were so outstanding that the school was able to acquire the top male student recognition thanks to Cheslin Maloney with an average of 95.01%. Following closely behind in second place was Yvado Simmons with an overall average of 94.36%. The best girl for St. Thomas’ Primary School was Zarina Alcendor with an average of 86.62%.

According to Principal Norlene Smithen “these three superstars have been working hard since grade five to bring sweet victory for us in several quizzes. They have worked extremely hard over the past two years and deserve high commendations for all their efforts.” Joining Ceslin and Yvado as one of the top ten students in Nevis was Azhar Lake who acclaimed an average of 88.33%.

33 shining stars graduated from the institution and the schools great performance has enabled 27 of the 33 to be placed in the top forms at the Charlestown Secondary School, 1A1 and 1A2. “20 of theses students will be placed in 1A1. This is truly a commendable performance,” she informed.

Several students also excelled during the Test of Standards and as such received honours. Students who received an average of 80% and over are Lauju Huggins, Azaan Liburd, Erim Herbert, Ian Liburd, Damion Wilkin, Arqella Bendeito, Tishauna Perkins and Rodney Sergeant. Principal Norlene advised the graduates to stay focused and strive to be the greatest persons’ they can be. “On the leg of this journey take with you the values that you have been taught by your parents, church, school and the community. Five years down the road we would be expecting to hear 33 success stories.”

She told persons present that the students have received the best primary education from the institution because the school wants nothing less than the best for its students. For those who did not make it into the top class, she told them “all hope is not lost, I wish to encourage you to work hard in order to improve your grades so that you can excel.” She also commended the teachers for their hard work.” To the parents she urged them to continue to work hard and support their children.

“Please continue to love and nurture your children so that they may have a smooth transition from primary to secondary school. As community minded people we need to strengthen the bonds that will enable us to build better communities. Let us all work together and protect our children by becoming partners with the school,” she urged.

The ceremony held under the theme “Strengthening social, academic and family bonds through partnership of community and school,” started with a short processional of the graduates and teachers through the New Testament Church of God Hall.

Gracing the auspicious occasion were proud parents, teachers, former Principal Ms Earlene Maynard, Premier of Nevis, Joseph Parry, Attorney General of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Patrice Nisbett and Education Officials.