Keynote speaker at the 12th commencement ceremony of the Dominica State College (DSC) Dr. Byron Winston, wants graduates to soar like eagles.
The ceremony took place at the DSC’s campus in Stockfarm on Thursday.
Winston, a Dominican now residing in the USA, is a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Arkansas. He is a former student of the St. Mary’s Primary and Clifton Dupigny Community College.
In his speech, he told graduates the story of the oyster and the eagle.
According to Winston, the oyster was placed at the bottom of the sea to protect it from its enemies and was given everything (food, shelter), but this was not the same for the eagle who had to fly miles for food with only five percent success. It also had to build its home on the top of a mountain or a tree.
To this day the oyster is still at the bottom of the sea and the eagle continues to work hard and soar.
“This my friends is my dream for you today. That you soar like an eagle and continue to persevere,” he stated. “Continue to fight the odds, continue to use your talents, your education, and your gifts, not just for your advancement but for that of your family, your friends, your country, the region and eventually the world. You can make a world of difference.”
Meanwhile, Valedictorian and top performer at the 2014 Cambridge A Level Exams, Leah Dodds, also had some words of advice for her fellow graduates.
“A well rounded human being must be sound physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually,” she said. “These four pillars being kept in balance has become the pinnacle of my success. Today I would encourage you, the graduating class of 2014, to be balanced individuals.”
Some 292 students graduated from the institution.
The following are the various departments that the students graduated from.
Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology-36
Faculty of Arts and Sciences-211
Faculty of Education-12
Faculty of Health Sciences-27
Candidates for certificates:
Applied Arts and Technology-7
Faculty of Education-4
Faculty of Health Sciences-2
Academic Awards-Program awards:
-Faculty of Applied Arts and Technology
Associate degree in Agriculture-Callister Sango (Richard Allport award for excellence in Agriculture).
Associate degree in Architecture –Sheldon Miguel Alfred
Associate degree in Automobile engineering-Runbin Tan
Associate degree in Building and Civil Engineering-Deshawn George
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Associate degree in Accounting-Chrystal Williams
Associate degree in Administrative Assistant-Kimberly Thomas
Associate degree in Business-Kurvelle Guiste
Associate degree in Biology-Leah Dodds
Associate degree in Computer Science-Dre St.Claire
Associate degree in Economics-Malik Stuart, Shania John, Zarisia Alcendor
Associate degree in Entrepreneurship-Dian Pendenque
Associate degree in Geography-Alleyne Robin
Associate degree in History-Asha Joseph
Associate degree in Physics-Leah Dodds
Associate degree in Hospitality-Vincia Blaize
Associate degree in Information Technology
Associate degree in Mathematics-Leah Dodds
Associate degree in Psychology -Danila Paul
Associate degree in Spanish- Durina Dalrymple
Associate degree in Tourism- Iiyasah Sookhoo
Faculty of Health Sciences-
Award for highest overall GPA –Kelma Sabroache
Award for most astute clinical student-Kelma Sabroache
-Faculty of Education:
Associate degree in Pre-Teacher Education-Cressencia Burton
Associate degree in Secondary Education-Petula Green
-Faculty Awards- (Highest performing student with co-curricular activities in faculty)
Sheldon Miguel Alfred-Faculty of Applied arts and Technology
Malik Stuart-Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Sabina James-Faculty of Health Sciences
Lean George-Faculty of Education
Deshawn George won the award for Sports personality of the year
Club of the Year went to the Journalism Club and Business league.
Congrats to all the graduants
Congratulations Graduates. The sky is the limit!! Go out there and create your own footprints. God’s richest blessings for your success in the future
A special THANK YOU to the best teacher at DSC _ Miss Henry. You are a wonderful person inside out and we will surely miss you. Love to u the maxxxxxx
Congratulations to Vincia Blaize for obtaining the Associate Degree in Hospitality award. You worked extremely hard to get to this point and you deserve all the success you have received. Soar like an eagle.
congrats sabina james you make me feel proud keep up the good works
Congrats, Yasi ! One more step to greatness.
Congratulations….it will be tough out there because unfortunately, Dominica doesn’t have anywhere to soar to. GOOD LUCK in future endeavors.
eagles cant soar in a cage.
Congratulations! I visualize that you are elated to have reached this height and to graduate, after your studious efforts.
Good luck and success in whatever you undertake to do. Keep in mind the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “I have a dream.” You have many years ahead to accomplish your goal. Keep on dreaming and striving for higher heights. God bless you!
So next time someone tells you that the world is your oyster, your come back line must be: au contraire, the world is my eagle
My is going school hear
I agree feel for them , what does dominica have to offer ,very little. Might as well sit under a palm tree and go to the red clinic for a handout . Really sad
Congratulations.. Great job! On another note I suggest that a more appropriate venue be allocated for holding what is suppose to be a graduation ceremony with class.
Congratulations to Sheldon Miguel Alfred. Highest Performing Student in Faculty of Applied Arts & Technology, Architure . Boy you really are making us proud. With all your involvement in Music u are still a focused person. Keep reaching for the stars for you are surely a star blessed by the Almighty Father. Keep praying and walk on the safe side. Also focus on continuing your studies – we know u love your music!!!! You can do it.
Love you and congrats again!!!!!!! God Bless You.
congratulations to you all on successfully completing college. Can anyone please explain the difference between the candidates for certificate and those awarded the associate degree?
For certain programs you can settle for a certificate. A minimum of 30 credits are required for such. For the Associate Degree, a minimum of 60 credits must be obtained.
Great Job DNO. Very Comprehensive Report.
Congratulations to all the graduates. Continue to persevere and to excel in whatever venture you pursue. Always give thanks to the Most High and remember where you came from.
One Love Dominicans!!!