Grantley Adam’s graduating class encouraged to be conquerors

by Morissa Lindsay

As the Grantley Adams Memorial Secondary School class of 2022 embark on the next chapter of their lives, they have been encouraged to see themselves as conquerors by Roseanne Myers, General Manager, Atlantis Submarines Barbados Inc.

Addressing the graduating class of 62 students led by valedictorian Jineva Blair in the school’s auditorium, Myers during her featured address on Saturday night spoke under the theme Through it all – we are conquerors.

She shared with them exactly why they should see themselves as conquerors, with chairman of the Board of Management George Griffith and acting principal Major Andrew Skeete in attendance.

“Why conquerors? Conquerors because here we stand, here you stand, in a free and fighting society battling the issues while still allowing our young people to chart a path forward. You are running a race and completing your secondary school phase of your education as round two of the heats.

It is the end of an era and the beginning of another. Bask in this moment because apart from going through from class one to upper 5th, you have survived and thrived through one of the most difficult periods the last two generations have seen,” she said.

Myers encouraged this year’s graduating class to show gratitude to those that have helped them along the journey, to ensure they have a give-back plan and be good citizens of Barbados. More importantly, she told the outgoing upper fifths to associate themselves with individuals that will help them to grow.

In closing of her impactful speech, Myers told the graduates: “At the end of the ceremony today, this school, your school, now becomes your alma mater. Continue to support and cherish it.

It was a large part of the village that it takes to raise a child. Now as a conqueror, pick your own village, choose from those around you a small group that you can depend on to support you physically and mentally.

“If you are to be the global citizen that this school has set out for you to be, portray the principles that are globally recognised – self-discipline, dependability and adaptability. Whisper to yourself, ‘I have been through the fire and today I graduate, a diamond and a Grantley Adams Memorial School conqueror’.”

This was the first graduation in two years at the school and principal Skeete during his remarks congratulated the students for making it this far and overcoming challenges which he described as an achievement in itself and worthy of great recognition.

The principal cautioned the graduates that this is only the beginning and greater challenges lie ahead and that whatever they do to always bring their A-game.

He also reminded them of the many outstanding individuals who have careers in politics, medicine, law, and sports and once graced the wonderful and historic institution named after one of the most illustrious sons of the soil, Grantley Adams.

In his address Major Skeete explained to the graduates that a good attitude is important towards the path of success and that while life may sometimes knock them down, it is paramount that they surround themselves with people who want to see them grow.

Valedictorian Jineva Blair also shared what the journey had been like as a student which she described as very interesting, intriguing and inspiring.

During her address Blair said that the Grantley Adams Memorial School motto which states Equality, Opportunity, Service, We Learn Not For School But For Life, is one that they all can take throughout life.

“This motto guarantees that all we have done at this noble institution has prepared us to be ready for this new journey called adulthood. We have gained great knowledge and skills and today we can stand proudly knowing that we are not only leaving with certificates but many life lessons. Life lessons that show, through it all, we are conquerors,” Blair stated.