An elegant graduating class of 2016 graced the aisle of the Boscobel United Church as the school leavers of the Iona High School marched in for their final school ceremony.
The 122 graduates clad in gold and blue were supported by many family and friends who experienced an informative and, enticing ceremony on Friday, July 1.
The evening’s proceedings began with a processional dance, followed by a hymn and prayer was then done by Reverend Trevor Hylton. Jamelia Cowan did the scripture reading and Sashine Chisolm introduced the chairman, Jasper Lawrence. He then gave the opening remarks, after which the welcome was given by students with an impressive translation of Spanish and Jamaican Language.
The valedictory address given by Amanda Lynch and Shahiede Patterson was a dramatic tale of the graduates’ versions of their five years at the institution, packed with amusing stories and lifelong lessons learnt. Afterwards, the graduating class of 2016 performed a melodious rendition of Empire song, ‘Conqueror’.
Greetings were extended by representatives from the United Church of Jamaica and Cayman Islands (Rev. Lenny Samuels), Member of Parliament, Robert Montague (Hyacinth Knight), as well as one of the school’s alumni association in Florida, ‘Friends of Iona’ (Nigel Depass).
Principal, Melva Humes-Johnson, in her report, reflected on the year’s accomplishments and downfalls that took place during the academic year 2015-2016. The student population was at 811, with a number of seven administrative staff, thirty-five teachers, two ancillary staff, 1 coach, and a security guard. She highlighted many notable achievements including the school’s second place prize in TVJ’s All Together Sing, second place in the Moneague College’s 60th Anniversary Netball Rally, third place in the ISSA Netball Competition Zone J, as well as two gold and two silver medals gained from this year’s JCDC competition. Special recognition was given to the school’s ‘in-house doctor’ nurse Campbell. The principal urged parents to discontinue the practice of sending sick children to school.
Mrs Humes-Johnson congratulated students who did exceedingly well, including the grade 7 student population, with the highest overall average. Parents were encouraged to become more involved with the school especially for meetings and supporting their children. A few other persons were lauded for their contribution to the school, particularly the alumni including Jason Blackwood and Nigel Depass and his graduating class’ association.
The guest speaker, Orville Taylor, who was introduced by graduate Romel Lovelace, did an excellent job in keeping the audience informed and intrigued. Taylor gave a passionate message about building one’s character and washing the mind clean of the “lies society has taught us to believe”. He encouraged graduates to become the best version of themselves, and implored them to stop believing negative tales people say about themselves so that upward mobility can be achieved.
The presentation of diplomas, trophies and certificates was filled with cheers and applause from the enthused audience. Numerous special awards were presented to students as well as the principal’s awards. Top performing graduates included Lasana Harrison, Kajeem Hyman, Toni Ann DaCosta, Mazika McDermott, Amanda Lynch, Britni Tracey, Asani Wilson, Romel Lovelace and Andrew King. The top four awardees were Britni Tracey, Andrew King, Romel Lovelace and Amanda Lynch. Tracey received the Robert Montague award for overall top achiever, most outstanding in four subjects, most improved in one subject among other social awards such as completing community service, decorum and speech and school spirit.
The ceremony ended on a celebratory note, with the singing of the school song and National Anthem.
