June 10, 2008 — Describing a bevy of students in a word or two is a graduation practice steeped in tradition, though no one quite knows how the practice began. Still, year after year, each class is described that way, and this year was no different as the 217 graduates from Central High School went down in history as the "propitious and great class of 2008."
Webster's Dictionary defines propitious as "promising," "bodes well" and "shows potential," and the din at the Central High School gym Tuesday afternoon was deafening each time speaker after speaker cited the adjective. Loud cheering and the blaring of sirens greeted every speaker, each of whom evoked giddy excitement among the graduates and the hundreds crammed into the gym to witness the special occasion.
All who spoke urged the graduates to dream big, and the other common theme was call for them to go out into the world to do good but to come back and give back to the territory.
"We need you to bring back your talents and contribute to the success of the Virgin Islands," said Education Commissioner LaVerne Terry in brief remarks to students, after noting that they had reached an "exclusive club" as high school graduates.
"Gov. deJongh, Lt. Gov. Francis and Sen. Obama were right where you were," she said to boisterous applause. Governor John deJongh Jr. and Lt. Gov. Gregory R. Francis were among the dignitaries who graced the stage. Terry indicated the graduates could be whatever they set out to be in referring to local officials and Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee for president and the first black ever to reach that milestone.
In his remarks, the governor thanked parents and teachers alike for equipping students with a desire to learn. He also referred to Obama's accomplishment in signaling to graduates that they, too, can set their goals and aim high.
Keynote speaker Sharon Theodore-Scope, a 1994 Central High alumnus, reminisced about 14 years ago being where the current crop of graduates are. Since that time she's gone on to be an engineer, and she told graduates to dream big.
"The education you've gained thus far and the foundation from your parents is your navigation system," Theodore-Scope said of getting to those dreams.
Siejah Mike, the class salutatorian, spelled out p-e-r-s-e-v-e-r-a-n-c-e upon taking the microphone, telling fellow graduates that this was what brought them to where they are today.
"This is icing on the cake," she said of four years of studying.
Mike was followed by Michelle Rivera, the valedictorian, who also listed perseverance and pride as keys to getting graduates where they are.
"Knowledge is power," she said. "I charge you to dream."
Rivera, the top student in the class, brought a hush to the crowd when she singled out her mother, whom she said was both a father and mother to her. Because of her mother's "tough love" and frequent questions about whether she'd completed her homework, she is where she is today — a "conqueror whose main focus was to be No. 1," Rivera said.
In another graduation tradition, members of various classes over the school's 40-year existence were present. Special salutes were paid to past principals Norma Rifkin, Ulric Benjamin, Otis Hicks, Rupert Ross Jr., Willie King, Kent Moorehead, Gary Molloy and acting principal Chermaine Hobson-Johnson, who succeeded Molloy in 2007 after he was promoted to district superintendent. Salutes also went out to Major Fernando Webster as teacher of the year and Keith Swanson, employee of the year.
Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.
