Laziness and non-commitment is not the way – male students advised

Permanent Secretary Jennifer Lafond hands over plaque to Sidney Jules

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Jennifer Lafond has told young men at the St Mary’s Academy (SMA) that they can excel academically regardless of the stigma attached to the academic performances of young men.

Lafond was at the time addressing a ceremony this morning to award former SMA student Sidney Jules with US$500, a plaque and a certificate for receiving nine passes at Grade One, general proficiency in the 2009 CXC examinations . Jules’ award came from the Embassy of the United States of America and the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

“Our young men are always under fire so it’s very heartening and gives me great pleasure to hand over a plaque of that nature to a young man. It augers well. I hope you (students) are encouraged by it and you will take it seriously, because there is the potential in every single one of you to become and to do as good, as and even better than was done by Jules. You just have to believe in yourself,” she said.

Lafond advised the male students that nothing is gained by being “lazy, uninterested” and “non-committed,” rather everything is gained by being serious.

She also encouraged students to remain committed to their education because “school life” makes up their life.

“This is just a part of your life; you have the rest of your life to do whatever you want to do. I want to tell you to take just this part seriously. There is enough time to attend to the distractions,” she lamented.

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14 Comments

  1. SisInBim
    February 28, 2010

    Boy Hil boy, I reading so much good things the ppl are writing that I feel like the praise is for me. LOL. You and wifey did a 1derful job and Sid you just continued the work. Great going everybody and Sid we looking for greater things in the years to com. Now you know what?……Aps we looking at you now. Aunty V

  2. Isle of beauty
    February 26, 2010

    We need and must continue to support our young men and brothers in achieving their goals in life. Yes, education is a part of our total being here on earth. Education is of great importance in our lives and determines what our future occupation holds. I agree that one has to be determined, persistent and unwavering in life in order to achieve.

    Mr. Jules, congratulations on your great performance and may you continue to perform as excellently in the future.

    To you parents I take my hat off and commendyou for all the hard work that you put forth to have such a successful son.

    Peace and God’s blessings to your family. Continue the good work

  3. Family Values
    February 26, 2010

    Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Jules for the wonderful job you have done in raising your son to be the person he is today. Not just academically but being involved in church, sports and other areas as well.

    As a whole, you are truly one of the families that needs to be emulated in Dominica.
    Loving husband, loving wife, great respectable kids.

    You guys must conduct a workshop or something to that effect on what keeps your marriage strong, etc.

  4. Former Teacher
    February 25, 2010

    Go with God Sidney, you make teaching worthwhile, you make me proud every time I see you or hear about you. You are a blessed child and one who is greatly admired, respected and loved. Your humility in all of this is greatly admired. You are a true St. Mary’s Man. Congratulations to you and your parents who took their responsibily to prepare you for life academically and spiritually. You are truly blessed!

  5. another good one
    February 25, 2010

    Great great change the perception.

  6. Sprinter
    February 25, 2010

    Congratulations Sidney! You have made yourself, your very supportive parents, and the Saint Mary’s Academy proud. I was fortunate enough to witness most of your sojourn at the SMA and I know that you have worked hard. I do hope that that students who witnessed the presentation today will emulate what you have done. Way to go SMA!! Best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Jules. You have brought up your son with good values and good christain principles. If only many of our parents would take a leaf from your book instead of continually saying, ” I don’t know what to do with that boy”.

  7. Anonymous
    February 25, 2010

    Hey Sidney

    Congrats. Very Impressive.

    A. Trotter

  8. Family in Antigua
    February 25, 2010

    Sidney, we just want you to know that we are all proud of you… continue to shine as bright as the sun… Love ya babes

  9. February 25, 2010

    Congratulations to u bro..i dnt personally know u but i am very happy for u..Wish u all the best in ur future endeavors and i hope that students on in generall will use u as an example..
    Hard work pays off..Children go to school and learn..Education is the key to success..The worls gets more amn more competitive everyday and u must have a good education to compete in this world…
    All the best my boy..

  10. Nikola Tesla (Pseudonym)
    February 25, 2010

    Education is not all! it’s just a constituents which makes-up a whole; essential though.

  11. In thanks to mrs. Lafond
    February 25, 2010

    Happy to see you inspiring more students Mrs. Lafond. You are a blessing to the department of Education. Thank you for all that you did for my daughter and all those you’ve assisted through the years. May he continue to shine his light on you and your family.

    God bless

  12. Dubiqois
    February 25, 2010

    Go forth young man…

    Congratulations. Immerse yourself in all the academic opportunities presented to you. The path is not always smooth, but with resiliency, hardwork, dedication, and discipline, opportunities will be abound. Do not be distracted by detractors. Let the detractors serve as a catalyst for your success.

    Here is a poem, by Williams Henley, you should read when the journey becomes burdensome. It is one of my favorites.

    Out of the night that covers me,
    Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
    I thank whatever gods may be
    For my unconquerable soul.

    In the fell clutch of circumstance
    I have not winced nor cried aloud.
    Under the bludgeonings of chance
    My head is bloody, but unbowed.

    Beyond this place of wrath and tears
    Looms but the Horror of the shade,
    And yet the menace of the years
    Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

    It matters not how strait the gate,
    How charged with punishments the scroll.
    I am the master of my fate:
    I am the captain of my soul.

  13. allison
    February 25, 2010

    that is so beautiful… hope to read about your future acheivements…. LOVE IT!

  14. February 25, 2010

    Congratulation young brother , keep up the good work.

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