On Tuesday evening (30 November), hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers logged on to Facebook and YouTube to view John Gray High School's (JGHS) 2021 graduation ceremony held in its gymnasium under the theme, 'Oh the Places You Will Go!'
In attendance at the ceremony were 155 members of the graduating class, members of the JGHS staff and a small group of specially invited guests, including Guest Speaker Ms. Angela Martins, Ministry of Education (MOE) Deputy Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith, MOE Acting Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Denise Hutchinson, Department of Education Services (DES) Director Mr. Mark Ray and Senior School Improvement Officer Mr. Nicholas Obie all of whom presented student awards.
In his address, Mr. Jon Clark expressed his thankfulness that the graduates could celebrate the significant milestone together.
"I know this is not the graduation that we had all hoped for, especially after having to hold your school-leaving ceremony online, but I am grateful to the Cayman Islands Government, the Ministry of Education and the DES for allowing us the opportunity to celebrate in person with our students and allowing you [graduates] to walk across the stage this evening."
Included in the graduating class were Kalia Picard and Aria Gooden, named in the top ten for the Caribbean region for their academic performance in Office Administration and Principles of Business in the 2020 CSEC examinations.
The duo was also among 131 students who graduated with honours diplomas, having passed seven or more subjects, including English and mathematics. In addition, Kaila was one of 26 graduates who received the Super Cup award for having attained at least ten subject passes.
Principal Clark congratulated the graduates for their achievements and expressed his confidence in their readiness to face the world. "You have become fine young adults, not only with strong exam results but a growth mindset, a positive attitude to learning, a sense of community and big dreams that we are looking forward to seeing you fulfil."
He further thanked his staff for their role in graduates' accomplishments. He encouraged graduates to "continue to set and maintain your own high expectations of yourself and others in all you do. That will be a legacy we can all be proud of, and we are so proud of you."
Guest Speaker Ms. Angela Martins, JGHS alumnus and Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands, called on graduates to love themselves, find their passion, surround themselves with mentors, and learn from failures.
Outgoing student leaders Quincy Ebanks and Naja Beach delivered the graduates' address.
To watch John Gray High School 2021 Graduation Ceremony, visit CIGTV’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fnQYZRdLAA&t=2973s or follow John Gray High School on Facebook.