QC head: Celebrating student achievement inspires others to achieve

The entire first year of Queen’s College is in celebration mode as they head into summer knowing that they are all being promoted to second form after a year of hard work and academic excellence.

During a special service on Wednesday at the Husbands St James School for the 2023 First Form Awards Ceremony put on by the First Form Awards Committee, the students were applauded for their hard work.

In her principal’s address, new head Mitchell Maxwell said, “Celebrating student achievement serves as the impetus for inspiring others to want to achieve and helps maintain motivation, commitment, effort, and hard work. Celebrations are not only a form of encouragement but also support students to stay on track to be purposeful and intentional regarding their learning,” she said.

Principal of Queen’s College Mitchell Maxwell.

“This Queen’s College community will continue to support our students in all aspects of their school experience. We are cognizant that student recognition and celebration among their peers will foster self-esteem and increase their confidence. This reinforcement which is positive is a critical element in the student’s learning and development,” Principal Maxwell said.

First Form Year Head Roger Scott.

Meanwhile, Queen’s College old scholar and Director of Retail Banking Channels at CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Michelle Whitelaw told the students: “I want you to make the most of your opportunities at this school. I know sometimes it could feel like it’s too much work. Nothing is achieved however, without hard work. I know that sometimes you feel like not doing P.E. and maybe sitting it out. I also know that there are some subjects that you love and some that you don’t like so much but that’s a part of life,” she added.

Dirctor of Retail Banking Channels at CIBC Michelle Whitelaw makes a presentation to Top Boy Danari Griffith.

While speaking to those students who were specially recognised, Whitelaw said that the awards are important in teaching young people lessons in showing kindness, being helpful, and looking out for others.

Above: Arielle Ward delivered a wonderful rendition of Top of My School.

“That doesn’t only have to be at school. We live in a world where there are so many challenges and we don’t see kindness. I am encouraging you to be kind,” she said.

Receiving the Helping Hand Award is Kalea Depeiza.

“Whatever you do I want you to remember the lessons learned. Be kind to others, especially those that you may not have known before. That will help you to meet new friends and also befriend someone who may not have as many friends as you do…I’m encouraging you to befriend those who don’t have friends,” she added.

Whitelaw said that CIBC was very pleased and proud to partner with the school to donate the special prizes on the day.

Left: Top Girl Saniya Minnis was all smiles as she recieved her prize from Director of Retail Banking Channels CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Michelle Whitelaw.

Top performing first formers 12-year-old swimmer Saniya Minnis and footballer Danari Griffith were both over the moon about their performances.

“I’m kind of surprised. I didn’t expect this but I’m still extremely proud of myself,” the young swimmer told the media. She loves the support given to her by the QC family.

“Everyone is honestly quite nice. I was scared when I first came here because I wasn’t someone who is very extroverted but I made friends quite fast and I am happy that I have people who support me.”

Meanwhile, her peer Griffith said that he’s very happy with his achievement as first form top boy, track and football star. He credited his mother for helping him reach the heights that he has.

Griffith has some simple advice for other first-formers out there who may be trying in academics or athletics: “Just put in the work!” 

(MR) ]]>