‘Take flight’

Lester Vaughan students encouraged to unleash potential as school celebrates Founders’ Day

By Anesta Henry

Students of the Lester Vaughan School have been encouraged to see their potential to be great and to do big things for themselves, their school and country.

Delivering the feature address at the school’s Founders’ Day service on Tuesday, marking the institution’s 26th anniversary, former deputy head boy Tyrell Payne reminded students that they have the choice to work hard, have a positive attitude towards their education, be disciplined, and to go the extra mile to attain success.

He noted that for 26 years, the school’s students have risen to excellence and unleashed their potential in various areas, including athletics, culinary arts, music, dance, and foreign languages.

“Lester Vaughan eagles, when we take flight, we are unstoppable. When we rise to excellence, we unleash our true potential. When we rise to excellence and unleash our true potential, we are more powerful than we could ever imagine.

“We owe it to those who have gone before us, all the founders. Sometimes, choosing to rise to excellence means standing alone but don’t be scared to rock alone. The sun is alone every day and still shines bright,” Payne said.

St Thomas Member of Parliament Cynthia Forde joined students and staff members of the Cane Garden, St Thomas institution for the two-hour-long service in the school’s auditorium.

The session included speeches, a prayer by the Rector of Christ the King Anglican Church Reverend Davidson Bowen, bible readings, and musical renditions by students.

Carol Vaughan, widow of the school’s founder Members of the Lions Club of Barbados South presented ten fans to the school during the celebratory activity.

Acting principal Suzette Holder told those who gathered to celebrate the significant milestone in the history of the institution that Founders’ Day was necessary to reflect upon the vision, dedication, and hard work of those who laid the foundation of the school.

She said it was also the time to look to the future with a sense of purpose and commitment.

“Founders’ Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the ideals and values that have guided us throughout our journey. Our founder, the late Mr Lester Vaughan, envisioned an institution that would provide not only education but also character development, a place where students would not only gain knowledge but also wisdom, and a community that would not only exist within these walls but also reach out to the world with compassion and empathy,” Holder said.

The acting principal also called on the members of the school’s community to recommit themselves to the values that define the institution. She said it was necessary to remember that the true measure of the school’s success was not just academic achievements but the positive impact “we make on the lives of our children”.

“As we celebrate Founders’ Day, let us not only look back at our history with pride but also look forward to the exciting possibilities that the future holds. Let us continue to work together, learn together, and grow together as a school community,” she said.

The school opened on October 7, 1997, and was known as the St Thomas Secondary School. It was officially opened and renamed The Lester Vaughan School in honour of the former principal of Holy Innocents Primary School and author of the National Pledge.

anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb