Yet another year of excellence…Queen’s College honors outstanding performers

Jan 27, 2014 News

---

 
By: Sunita Samaroo

Guyana’s top secondary institution, Queen’s College without doubt continues to mould the most outstanding performers who by striving year after year, have managed to surpass national recognition by rooting itself on the Regional scene.
Throughout its existence, the school has not only become a local household name but also cemented itself amongst the top regional secondary education institutions.

On Wednesday last, the students’ noteworthy performances for the academic year 2012 – 2013 were highlighted at the Queen’s College Annual Speech Night Ceremony 2013.
About 200 students out of the school’s 800 population were aptly rewarded for their outstanding performances in various areas.
Every year, the Queen’s College family gathers for a lengthy evening of what essentially is an evening of nostalgia for some, speeches, reflections and awards for most. “Speech Night” as it has aptly been coined, has over the years, become a traditional event for the college.
On January 22, about 1000 gathered in the auditorium of the prestigious institution to commemorate what without a doubt was another year of brilliant performances.
The keynote speaker was the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam who as luck would have it, is also a past student of the institution.
In his commanding delivery, Sam managed to reflect on the past, constructively comment on the present, and urge the students to propel to higher heights. “Rise up from your complacency and dominate the educational landscape of this nation, this region and the world,” he urged.
“The prevailing mindset out there is that in all things academic, Queens College should dominate and rightly so in my opinion,” he added.
“Within these hallowed walls are the best and brightest minds this country has to offer and the expectations of dominance are not misplaced,” he commented.
He urged the young flag bearers to recognize that to whom much is attributed, much is expected.
“You, my young friends, are the brain trust of this nation and as such, great are the expectations regarding your performances. I would hasten to add however, that such expectations should not be limited to things academic,” he said.
The Chief Education Officer ensured that he stressed on the college’s mandate and position internationally. “It must be stated that this institution’s mandate is to produce the best students when evaluated on a world class level—not nationally, not regionally, we are well beyond that.”
Spoken like a true Old Boy of the institution, he insisted “We have a rich history of dominance across the board and we should never allow ourselves to lose those key elements of who we are.”
“You are the most dynamic, creative, balanced individuals with varied interests and skills but there are scores of those types of individuals out there. What makes you special is your ability to excel in whatever it is you engage in,” he continued.
The CEO who entered an appearance for the Minister of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand, urged the students to push the envelope, to be innovative and to be the trendsetters to usher in a new era in education.
He commented that there is no true appreciation of the fact that Queens College is in a category of its own, and is not even considered in the Ministry’s national ranking of schools. “This is the best institution of learning in the country, end of story, full stop,” he emphasised.
The CEO’s address included thanks to those who have been working assiduously to mould the nation’s top minds.
“I must commend a highly dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment to ensure that Queen’s College remains the institution it is….The work of the Board of Governors should also be recognized and applauded.”
Meanwhile, Queen’s College Headmistress Jackie Benn, in delivering the Principal’s report, echoed the sentiments expressed by the CEO and further provided statistics to support her claims.
She provided an evaluation of the year under review (2012 – 2013) and offered insight in the college’s programme and activities as well as academic achievements.
“The Queen’s College family continues to be proud of its achievements. We are here once again to celebrate another history with our students whose exceptional performances in both academic and extra-curricular have satisfied us.”
Benn stated that the students are gifted and as such it is expected that “they will blaze the trail of academic excellence, leaving behind indelible prints in the pages of the prestigious college as well as the country’s history.”
According to the Principal, a testimony of the school’s performance was reflected in the performance of its top students and national awardees: Cecil Cox, Phillipe Walker, Akeila Wiltshire and Akash Jairam.
She said that despite the fact that the school experienced challenges throughout the year, the results of May-June 2013 have proven once again that Queen’s College is still ranked at the top.
“The Queen’s College flag flew proudly as we were able to capture CAPE top performance in the person of Jonelle James. Melodie Lowe and Jonelle were awarded the President’s scholarship for CAPE whilst Cox received same for CSEC.”
The Principal said that the school, during the academic year, was highlighted on the Caribbean Examinations Council’s merit list.
“Overall the school gained 934 grade ones, 387 grade twos and 144 grade threes with an overall pass rate of 98% Grades 1 – 3,” Benn explained.  She added that the school also saw 89% pass in CAPE.
Like the CEO, she applauded the contribution of teaching staff, stating that they rose to the challenge and worked beyond the call of duty.
She highlighted too the student’s participation in various sports activities and organised clubs.
Benn thanked the college’s Board of Directors, Old Students Association, its Canadian Chapter, the Ministry of Education and the Parent Teacher’s Association.
She also expressed gratitude to Bosai, Members of Republic Bank, the United States Embassy and the media.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Antony; Head of the National Aids Programme Secretariat, Dr. Shanti Singh; Education Ministry Officials, Members of Queen’s College Board of Governors, Parents-Teachers Association and Old Students Association, staff and prize owners.

---

---