Several honoured at CPCE’s graduation

Nov 09, 2025 News

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(Kaieteur News) – As the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) concluded its annual graduation ceremony on Friday, several outstanding students were recognised as the best graduating students from their respective centres.

With over 1,300 students graduating this year, the event was marked by celebration and pride as family members, friends, and educators gathered at the National Stadium, Providence East Bank Demerara to support the graduates with most of the awardees under the age of 30.

On Friday, Kaieteur News spoke with several students who were recognised as the best performers at their respective centres, including those from Annai in Region 9, Linden, and Belladrum in Region 6. Among the top honourees was 21-year-old Latchme Jaigobin from the New Amsterdam Centre, who proudly received three major awards: the Prime Minister’s Award for Best Graduating Team of Students, Best Graduating TVET Student, and Best Graduating Student from the New Amsterdam Centre. Reflecting on her achievement, she said, “My CPCE journey was very inspiring and somewhat challenging, but I have to thank God and my support system, I am so grateful for them.” Jaigobin shared that she has always dreamed of becoming a teacher and will soon begin teaching Social Studies at the secondary level in New Amsterdam.

Samalson Mack, a 26-year-old graduate from Annai Village in Region Nine, was named the Best Graduating Student from the Annai Centre. Mack, the first in his family to graduate from a tertiary institution, expressed deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his studies. “I managed to overcome every obstacle with the help of my colleagues, and I am very happy for the achievement I have gained today. I wish to give my utmost to the school where I will be teaching and to serve my country well,” he said. Mack added that his motivation to teach comes from a desire to nurture young minds in his community, where access to education remains a challenge.

 

Another awardee, Bhojraj Laikhram who studied at the Belladrum Centre, received awards for Best Graduating Business Student and Best Business Student from the Belladrum Centre. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “My journey overall I would say was an enjoyable experience, though they were challenges I find that being awarded after hard work, is something that you have to think about through the challenge. This journey has moulded me into someone ready to empower the younger generation, that’s one of the main reasons I chose this profession. It’s quite an accomplishment for me to now be a trained and qualified teacher in Guyana.” Laikhram also encouraged others in his community to join the teaching profession, noting, “It’s an underdeveloped area, so there’s a need for more educators to help develop the community.”

In the field of culture, T’Shanna Cort was recognized as the Best Music Student. She expressed her desire to revive music education in schools, saying, “The journey was not an easy one, but I love music; it’s a gift from God. When I started, it was difficult; some nights I cried, but I persevered. I had great support from my mother and my lecturers, and it was all worth it.” Ayanta Alphanso, 25, from Linden, was awarded as the Best Graduating Student from the Linden Centre. She shared that she worked diligently from the beginning of her studies with the goal of earning a distinction. “I told myself, I had to do well from start to finish,” she said, acknowledging the challenges she faced with assignments and collaboration. Now specializing in Home Economics, Alphanso aims to make a difference in her region. “Not all children are brilliant at first, but many have potential, and I want to help unlock that potential in my community,” she stated.

 

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Asha Semple from the Mabaruma Centre in Region One received the award for Best Graduating Early Childhood Teacher. Reflecting on her personal struggles, she said, “I had a lot of silent battles, but I didn’t give up. I’m thankful for everyone who supported me, especially my loving partner, Kester Hughes, I commend him for staying up late with me and encouraging me through it all.” Semple shared that she has already made plans to contribute to the development of education in her region. “When I return home, I will work hard to mould young minds. Since I was small, I used to pretend to be a teacher, so being one now is truly fulfilling my childhood dream,” she said.

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• Bhojraj Laikhram, CPCE, graduation, Latchme Jaigobin, Samalson Mack

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