Whitter’s Institute’s high-scoring graduates urged to ‘dream big, work hard’
Published:Saturday | June 29, 2024 | 12:10 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
Already among the top achievers in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination, Whitter’s Institute graduates have been reminded that they are the architects of the future.
The graduating class of 21 students basked in their accolades during the school’s fifth annual school-leaving ceremony, held at The Meeting Place in St James under the theme ‘WI REACH’ – Raising the Bar, Enduring in Academics, Character and Health.
While addressing the graduates, keynote speaker Dr Andre Haughton, PNP caretaker for West Central St James, said that education is a process and not an overnight dream.
“Graduates, as you leave this institution and venture into the world, remember that this is not the end but the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. You are the architects of your future. Dream big, work hard, and never lose sight of your values and aspirations. The world is waiting for your contributions, and I have no doubt that each of you will make a profound impact,” Haughton said with enthusiasm.
“Life is a journey; it is not about giving up. It is not about dashing down the book to go watch Dragon Ball Z. You must remember that everyone faces challenges. I face challenges, principal, parents, teachers and even the prime minister. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and push your limits. Keep moving forward with determination and resilience,” he added.
The graduates will be headed to Campion College, Mount Alvernia High, Rusea’s High, Montego Bay High, Cornwall College, Herbert Morrison, Westwood High, William Knibb Memorial and Munro College.
Eleven-year-old Kiarrah Wisdom, the top overall girl who was placed at her first-choice Montego Bay High School for the upcoming September term, got a scoring profile of 387.4 out of 400 in the PEP exam.
Wisdom, who aspires to become a doctor or an entrepreneur, told The Gleaner that she prayed to God, hoping for a high grade.
“I studied a lot. The exams were good but I had some difficulty with the ability test. High school is a different chapter and will be different from here. I look forward to different clubs and I want to become a student counsellor,” said Wisdom.
The Whitter’s Institute was opened in 2019 by Rose-Ann Whitter, the owner and principal due to an overwhelming demand for higher-level education and students doing extremely well with her teaching.
Originally a learning centre, this initiative all started in just a small garage space with up to 50 students coming in for extra lessons to prepare them for the GSAT (now PEP) examinations.
Today, the institute has over 100 students and has been seeing good results in the PEP examinations over the years.
Two valedictorians
There were two valedictorians, both of whom scored high marks. Twelve-year-old Israelle Hill, the head girl, was second overall with a score of 385.9, while head boy Joel Saunders, also 12 years, was the top boy with an overall score of 382.1.
Saunders Jr, who was placed at Herbert Morrison Technical, thanked the school administration for their success during his address to fellow graduates.
“Our success this year is really astounding. Twenty-one of us sat this difficult exam and each of us has reaped astonishing results. After the solid foundation we received here, we are going to take high school by a storm. ‘WI REACH’ aimed and achieved our goal,” he said.
Hill, who aspires to be a veterinarian, said she is looking forward to a new chapter.
“I can absolutely say at the Whitter’s Institute I was challenged and I think I challenged the institution. When I go to Campion College in September I want greater achievements I didn’t get at this institute. I want to be on the honour roll and receive more awards.”