Saint Catherine Academy Class of 2023
BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 6, 2023
On Saturday morning, June 3, Saint Catherine Academy held their graduation ceremony at the Mercy Center on Marine Parade. Of the 142 graduates, 25 were recognized as top performers, and 73 received Special Distinction awards.
Graduates who achieved honors for four years were honored with gold cords, and those who maintained three years of honors wore blue cords. Of the 142 graduates, 29 majored in Academic Arts, 60 in Academic Business, and 53 in Academic Science.
In the spotlight was Mikyla Richards, who was the valedictorian of the graduating class. Richards, who is set to further her science studies at Mahindra College, aims to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon or oncologist. In her heartfelt valedictory speech, she told her classmates and guests, “Being shy and afraid to try new things is a waste of potential. Fear is the thief of joy. Allow yourself to be free! Stop being afraid and allow yourself to experience new opportunities.”
The salutatorian was Kamryn Rhaburn, while the third-place student was Zoe Gonzalez, who during the ceremony, introduced the guest speaker.
The ceremony also included performances and speeches that added vibrancy and a local flavor. The SCA Steel Pan band performed a spirited rendition of the national anthem. The invocation was led by Sister Rose Rivero, followed by a greeting from the school’s principal, Mrs. Salome T. Tillett.
The commencement address was delivered by Mrs. Jacqueline Osadebay-Marshalleck, the Honorary Consul of The Bahamas in Belize, who spoke passionately about the importance of education and community service. Also, a special highlight was the performance of “Suscipe of Frances Warde” and a moving rendition of the song “When Jesus Says Yes”.
Additionally, the ceremony included “On Mercians,” a song performed by the graduates and alumnae, providing a fitting tribute to their shared experiences at Saint Catherine Academy.
The event culminated with the award ceremony, acknowledging the hard work of not only the graduates but also the various departments and individuals who have made special contributions to the institution.
Saint John’s College sixth form and high school hold graduation ceremonies
BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 6, 2023
Over the weekend, both Saint John’s College Junior College (SJCJC— 6th Form) and SJC (high school) held their graduation ceremonies at the Landivar Gym.
On Friday, June 2, a total of 286 graduates from Saint John’s College Junior College’s various deoartments, including business and humanities, math, science, computer science, and social science received their diplomas —with 186 of them having the distinction of graduating with honors and/or appearing on the dean’s list.
This year, two separate graduation ceremonies took place at the Landivar Gym for the junior college. At 9:00 a.m., 126 business and humanities department graduates were awarded their diplomas. Then later, at 4:00 p.m., another ceremony recognized the accomplishments of 160 graduates in math, science, computer science, and social science.
Additionally, this year marked the first cohort of 13 SJCJC students from Punta Gorda, adding to the significance of the occasion.
The top achievers from each department were also acknowledged. Cayle Tingling shone in the field of business; Marquisha Novelo demonstrated excellence in humanities and education; Adilei Anahi Gongora was recognized for her accomplishments in natural science and mathematics; Leeanne Palma excelled in computer science, and Kammie Enriquez distinguished herself in the field of social science. Additionally, six students received prestigious Jesuit scholarships to pursue further studies in the United States.
Mrs. Solangel Alvarado, Dean of SJC, participated in the recognition of outstanding students and the presentation of candidates. Finally, a special SJCJC Ensemble presentation was done by Ms. Carmen Bizet.
On Saturday, June 3, Saint John’s College (high school) held its graduation ceremony, during which 153 graduates with majors in business, science, computer science, and humanities took center stage. Fifty-two of those students graduated with honors.
A highlight of this graduation was the inclusion of the inaugural cohort of students from the newly introduced Computer Science and Humanities program.
Adding a touch of musical flair, a live steel band played tunes at certain key junctures in the ceremony, including the pomp and circumstance upon the entry and exit of the graduates, and the national anthem.
Giancarlo Crespo was recognized as the top achiever, followed closely by Wilson Lu in second place. Hinny Lin, the recipient of the St. John Berchman’s Award, claimed the third spot.
Edward P. Yorke holds 2023 graduation ceremony
BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 7, 2023
On Sunday, June 4, Edward P. Yorke High School held its annual graduation ceremony in the King’s Room at the Ramada Belize City Princess Hotel, where 122 graduates received diplomas from the institution.
The master of ceremonies was Samuel Nicholson, and at the beginning of the proceedings, the Faber brothers – James, Andrew, and David (past, present, and future alumni of E.P. Yorke)—performed a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. They also showcased their musical talents in a violin instrumental version of the classic, “Pink Panther.”
The valedictory address was delivered by the business department’s top performer, Deanna Tillett, who during her speech emphasized the power of learning and the value of hard work, while the salutatorian, Shafeeq Andrewin of the school’s science department, highlighted his pursuit of knowledge in his journey at E.P. Yorke.
Following those speeches, Haggeo Melendez gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to supportive teachers, friends, and family.
Of the 122 graduates, 47 received honors. In total, 27 graduates received diplomas in Academic Arts, 27 in Academic Science, 25 in Business Studies, 21 in General Studies, and 22 in Industrial Studies.
The ceremony was interspersed with performances and presentations, including a stirring “Spoken Word” rendition by 4 female students—Amalie Myvett, Meagan Lockwood, Adenia Small and Candace Smith.
Additionally, one highlight that stood out was the guest speaker’s address by the Minister of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology, Hon. Francis Fonseca. His speech was a stirring reminder of the power of education and the impact the new graduates could have on our nation and the world.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the new graduates united their voices in a beautiful rendition of “Together” by For King & Country.
Wesley Junior College and Wesley College hold graduation ceremonies
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 8, 2023
On Saturday, June 3, and Wednesday. June 7 respectively, Wesley Junior College and Wesley College (high school) held their graduation ceremonies.
At 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, 91 graduates from Wesley Junior College received their diplomas at the Belize City Civic Centre, and 63 of those students graduated with honors.
Symone Ogbuji led the group with a perfect GPA of 4.00, followed by Tevin Chan (3.981), Carly Cardinez (3.942), Kellyn Neal (3.929), and Leshawne Romero (3.923). These exceptional students also took home awards for top performance in their respective programs: Ogbuji in Paralegal Studies, Chan in Information Technology, Cardinez in Business Studies, and Neal in General Studies History.
The ceremony began with a stirring rendition of the national anthem led by the Omolewa Steel Orchestra. This was followed by the opening prayer, led by Reverend Elswith Clare.
The 2nd place student, Tevin Chan, offered a warm welcome to all in attendance, acknowledging the collective effort and shared accomplishment that brought them together on that evening, and later the top graduate, Symone Ogbuji, addressed her fellow graduates and the crowd.
The Chairman of the Board of Management, Bishop A. Moses Benguche, then presented the diplomas to the graduates, praising their achievements and acknowledging their hard work.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Indira Craig, a well-respected public figure and news anchor (7News), whose speech was filled with encouragement and wisdom for the graduating class.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks led by Carly Cardinez, the 3rd top student.
The following week, on June 7, Wesley College (high school) held its graduation ceremony in the King’s Room at the Ramada by Wyndham Princess Hotel in Belize City.
The event honored 158 graduates, 25 of whom graduated with honors. The top students were Aidan Alvarez (valedictorian), Yanira Avila (salutatorian), Asher Torres (votes of thanks), Clifton Gotoy, Jr. (token to the guest speaker), and Terrylee Nunez (introduction of the guest speaker).
Forty students received diplomas in Academic Social Science, 23 in Academic Science, 60 in Academic Business, and 35 in Academic General Studies.
In Aidan Alvarez’s valedictory address, she painted a vivid picture of her journey. “I am the oldest child in my family, and being the oldest comes with a lot of responsibilities. There were many days when I had to juggle chores at home, projects, and homework for school, and work after school,” she said. Paying a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Ms. Alvarez remarked, “She made sacrifices for me; she worked hard in order for me to get a valuable education at the prestigious Wesley College.”
She also acknowledged the collective resilience of her peers during the pandemic: “We were stopped in our tracks by the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty it created. We soon learned that a reliable internet connection was no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Despite this, we were strong enough to fight for these diplomas, which will assist us in securing our future,” she said.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, led by the Wesley College Band, followed by an opening prayer by Reverend Chrisnel Lelievre.
Nazarene High School holds 55th Commencement Exercise
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 8, 2023
One hundred and two students received their diplomas during the 55th commencement exercises held for Nazarene High School at the Civic Centre in Belize City on June 8.
Pastor Kevin Forrester was the master of ceremonies, while Pastor Andrew Hemmans initiated the occasion with a heartfelt invocation. Of the 102 graduates, 26 received diplomas in Academic Science, 24 in Academic Arts, 21 in Vocational studies, and 31 in Business. Notably, an impressive 14 among them graduated with honors.
The salutatory address was delivered by Ms. Ruth Diaz, whose speech was followed by the remarks of Dr. Elise Seguro, principal of Nazarene High School, who acknowledged the students’ accomplishments, and reflected on their journey and the growth they have shown over their time at the school.
Avery Young, who was the top student, then delivered his valedictory speech.
The guest speaker, Pastor Shane Blackett, subsequently shared words of wisdom and encouragement with the graduates.
The awarding of diplomas was handled by Dr. Elise Seguro and the vice principal Joseph Uh, along with the respective homeroom teachers.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks which was presented by the third-place achiever, Yulissa Cortez.