127 CSEC, 39 CAPE students graduate from President’s College

− school receives M from President Granger

The 2016 graduating class of President’s College were in high spirits on Thursday when they stood in front of a large audience consisting of not only family, friends and teachers but the President of Guyana, David Granger, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
Addressing the gathering at the school’s 26th Graduation Ceremony, Principal Carolyn Canterbury expressed appreciation for the scholastic accomplishments of students at the 2016 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
She noted the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child”, and this principle was abided by the school in moulding its students.
“I hereby charge you to be excellent past students of President’s College, understand your true purpose in life and strive to fulfil it,” Canterbury encouraged the graduands.
Camroul Hookumchand was named the CAPE valedictorian from among the 39 students, having acquired one Grade One, two Grade Twos, and two Grade Threes. He was also a proud receiver of many items, including a reward of $20,000 and a laptop computer, compliments of President Granger.
Meanwhile, Afifah Wickham grabbed the title of CSEC valedictorian from four streams of students totalling 127. She attained nine Grade Ones, five Grade Twos and one Grade Three. Wickham also received a reward of $20,000.
The Guyanese Head of State turned up to the graduation ceremony not only to deliver the feature address as the guest speaker, but also went bearing gifts – not only for the best graduating students but the school as well. President Granger handed over a cheque of $1 million to the Head Mistress.
During his address to the graduands, the President said he was happy to have been a part of the graduation, highlighting that it was one that he ‘most definitely enjoyed’.
He continued to commend the graduating students, while noting that he and the Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine were both impressed with the level of camaraderie, and discipline displayed by them.
The Head of State sought to congratulate the graduating students on their achievements, telling them it was not the end but the beginning of another new journey for which they were shaped by the school.
“Students, whatever difficulties they face, must display the dedication needed to fulfil their obligation to the (President’s) College. They must enter the world of adulthood prepared to assume responsibility for themselves and for others… Students are not going to succeed in life unless they’re loyal to one another and to the institutions in which they serve,” he stated.