Springer Memorial students urged to make full use of chances given

By Brittany Brewster

Under the theme of “Opportunity, Purpose, Growth”, the Springer Memorial School began the countdown to its 60-year milestone with a 59th anniversary Founders Day service at the auditorium of Government Hill, St Michael school on Monday morning.

As the Government Hill all-girls high school embarked on a year-long series of activities, the service’s featured speaker, Bishop Dr Andre Symmonds, delivered a message of inspiration to the students, encouraging them to seize the opportunities that come their way during their seven-year journey at the school.

Addressing the enthusiastic audience, he urged students to recognise that their time at the school served as a stepping stone to their future educational endeavours.

“God has privileged you with a wonderful opportunity here at the Springer Memorial,” declared Symmonds. “Some of you are just beginning your journey while others are approaching the finish line, but my message to you today is to not waste this opportunity because this is the step from which you will spring into the next level of education.”

Drawing from the Bible story of tax collector Zacchaeus who climbed a tree to see Jesus, he added: “Zacchaeus saw an opportunity in the sycamore tree that others around him did not see, and sometimes, even when your peers and your family don’t understand it, you must choose the right path for yourself. Understand that you’ve got to find your purpose for life, and while the school, church and your parents can provide some guidance, the onus is on you to discover and walk in God’s divine purpose for your life.”

Continuing with the theme, Symmonds said that growth should be the ultimate goal in life.

“Opportunity plus purpose equals growth,” he said. “If you go through life encountering opportunities without knowing your purpose, you will never achieve growth. Conversely, if you discover your purpose but fail to seize the opportunities, you will fall short, much like Zacchaeus. My message to you students today is that if you discover your purpose and capitalise on the opportunities presented in life, you will reach farther, speak louder, grow greater and attain more.”

Meanwhile, principal Cheryl Gill used her address to honour past students and staff who had contributed to the school’s growth and success over the years.

Saying that the school’s legacy was built upon the vision and courage of those who came before, she urged current students to value the educational opportunity created by their predecessors and uphold the school’s ideals and values.

“The establishment of this school presented a unique opportunity for many working-class young ladies from all over this country to access secondary education which presented them the opportunity for social mobility. This was groundbreaking at the time, so we are thankful for the vision and courage of persons of that time,” she said.

During the ceremony, members of the Class of 1975 donated $5 000 to the sports department to support the completion of the school’s track.

The ceremony also saw the continuation of tradition with the passing of the golden spoon, which is handed down from head girl to head girl as a symbol of continuity.

brittanybrewster@barbados.bb