‘Small things have changed the world’ - Lady Allen encourages Shortwood Practising graduates to think big, rise above challenges
Published:Wednesday | July 3, 2019 | 12:00 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
“Think big and set your goals high.” That was the charge Lady Allen gave yesterday to the 126th graduating class at the Shortwood Practising Infant, Primary and Junior High School in St Andrew.
“There is nothing in this world you cannot do once you work hard at it. I have said it before: Some may want to be lawyers, teachers, doctors, a police officer, musician or you may just want to own your own business, you can become all of these things and more. Nothing or no one can stop you,” Allen told the 108 graduands.
Turning to the theme, ‘Overcoming Difficulties, A Toast to the Journey’, the guest speaker shared a few ingredients for success.
“Never doubt the significance of small things; small things have changed the world. It is only the small things that have changed the world. Things like speaking up for someone who is being bullied. Too often, we see people being bullied and remain silent … ,” Allen said.
Acting Chairman Dr George Dawkins contextualised the theme well during his address.
“Graduating class of 2019, I want to commend you on this significant achievement. You have passed a very notable milestone, one hurdle successfully negotiated and as you transition to high school. There will be many opportunities and challenges, but I know you will overcome based on the knowledge skills and competencies that you would have learned at Shortwood Practising,” he said.
In a heartfelt toast to the graduating class, valedictorians Nicholas Butter and Darcia Spooner took everyone on a trip down memory lane as they reflected on their journey.
“Today, as graduates, we raise our glasses in honour of our journey through the years at Shortwood Practising. ... The first day of this journey was nerve-racking. We came in to grade one not knowing what to expect, but we were excited to be around our peers,” they read.
Vice Principal Jacqueline Hamilton-Carby, who is retiring from the profession this year, was another toast of the morning.
Principal Stellavit Ingram led the tributes to Hamilton-Carby, lauding her for 24 years of dedicated service to the institution. During those years, she served as acting principal, vice principal, senior teacher and guidance counsellor.