Gail Sharplis of Vieille Case was named valedictorian of the Spring 2013 graduating class of Grambling State University in Louisiana.
The graduation took place at 10:00 am on Friday on the university campus where Sharplis led the procession of the graduating class before taking a seat on the stage together with the president, deans and other high ranking staff of the institution.
Sharplis was able to outperform the other 500 students in the graduating class by obtaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a mass communication major.
In her valedictorian speech, she said being away from Dominica was the greatest challenge she faced as student but she was not deterred in her quest for excellence.
“There were nights when I cried myself to sleep because of being home-sick, and times when I longed for a home-cooked meal from my mother,” she said. “There were also days when I felt discouraged and depressed, but I did not allow any of these temporary emotions to deter me from achieving something that would be permanent. I was determined to work hard and to strive for excellence; thus I settled for nothing less than my best.”
She urged her fellow graduates never to allow failure to determine their future. “Always remember that falling down doesn’t make you a failure, but staying down does,” she remarked. “Success doesn’t come easy! The road to success is filled with hurdles and obstacles; however you need to press on inspite of the many challenges that may come your way. Never look at where you have been, but look towards where you are going.”
Sharplis is the daughter of Franklyn and Bernadine Sharplis of Vieille Case.
Five other Dominicans also graduated with honors from the institution.
They are Desiree Pemberton, Esther Guye, Kaicia Roberts, Deouna Baron and Charlene Corbette.
To begin with, CONGRATULATIONS GAIL on your accomplishment. We are all proud of you. Dindin and Franklyn you deserve congratulations too for your encouragement and guidance. Dindin, what a MOTHER’S DAY GIFT. I had no doubt Gail would be a success because that is who we are, a family that strives through thick and thin. Be proud as parents, I am proud as a relative. Gail, the road ahead may not be that difficult because you are one step closer to any and every thing your heart desires. I wish you luck in your future endeavors. Go get you MASTERS girl. Do not stop now. EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. GO GIRL!
Congratulation girls. Give God the glory and keep striving for the highest and the best.
Congrats to Gail and the others! To our Esther Guye congrats!! Love you babes!!
COngrats Gaily… Vcase people got it going on
CONGRATULATIONS!! We may never know or meet each other but I am proud of your achievement. You have made your family and country proud. Press along to higher academic achievement. Would be great if you report back to Dominica with your Phd. Best Wishes in your pursuit.
Yes !!! Itassi again. best amoung the rest!! We have played our part in producing some great domonicans. There has to be something that we are doing right. maybe we put our children educatiom before bling.
sunshine May 11, 2013
“with all those comments; there isn’t one that’s thanking the Honourable Prime Minister for his help in getting her there.. ah wah..”
You know sometimes people need to shut up, if every comment they make has to be politically oriented, and motivated.
Why should people have to thank Mr. Skerrit if in fact the government provided scholarships to any Dominican born?
Mr. Skerrit is the Prime Minister of our country, he is duty bound to make scarifies in such cases to ensure that those among us who has the potential to peruse their academia, and not fail thus wasting our taxpayers money is given every chance to obtain an university education, and degree.
An educated people means an educated country!
An educated people of a country means progress; as a result of the education they obtained they may use it at home to help develop the country economically.
Issuing scholarships to the deserving, is not a favor, as long as the money which pays the students tuition, and their up keep, does not come out of the Prime Ministers pocket directely; there is nothing to thank him for in this case because that is what he getting paid to do, that is part of what he was elected to do!
And by the way, this is the way “Honorable” is spelt, and not the way you spelt it in the quote above, also you start your sentence with a lower case letter, or common “w”; the first letter of a sentence must always start with a capital letter, so too you spell your name “sunshine” with a lower case “s”, rather than you assessing how many people who did not thank Skerrit, perhaps it is time that you try to educated yourself. Concentrate on your very own education, because if you do not know how to spell honorable, that is an indication you have not done well in elementary school.
Now I remember I had a relative who wrote under the fictitious Sunshine, if you are one of the same person, the next time you meet me face to let me have it in my mouth, burst my lips and let blood run, that will be okay, but it is time that some of us leave the politics out of the way we think and conduct ourselves!
Now I like Skerrit too, however I am not prepared to thank him for anything he does for Dominica, while serving in the capacity of Prime minister, because anything he does for someone in that capacity, and the country in general, he is duty bound to perform, because that is what he is elected to do!
I can get a thousand thumbs down for this one ( I doh care one bit eh).
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Thank him for what????
He is God or what
Stupessss
Before you made that long statement, I must say you are bias towards your thinking… TELL ME why, WHEN SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE COUNTRY… BLAME SKERRIT…. WHEN SOMETHING IS DONE GOOD IN THE COUNTRY, IS NOT SKERRIT TO THANK!!!
people need to be charged with biasness!!!
Learn to be neutral and Say Thanks to the man, as a Dominican student, I myself can say THANKS TO HIM, if it wasn’t for him and his intervention into my problem, I wouldn’t have gotten my degree 3 years ago! SMDH at you!!
If you are referring to me; I can see you do not know me very well. I give Skerrit his due when it is appropriate: for instance when all of you claim that he was wasting money on the State House, I came out and said that is a good thing he has done.
And indeed it is a good thing though expensive, but that’s the it is because of the global economy!
You all preferred a park instead of the State House, you preferred the old dilapidated Government House termite infested as your national pride.
Be informed if Mr. Skerrit done well I have a source through which I can let him know he has done well; as well if I dislike something I also have the courage to let him know, and I will never be wishy-washy about what I believe.
Pertaining to me it is not about the politics, I have nothing to gain from politics, Dominica, and the development of the country is my concern, and not the personality of the politicians. If I have personal liking for a politician, I will not disclose it here, however, in the appropriate place at the appropriate time I express my personal feeling if I need for me to do so.
All people like you have is politics, and just maybe that is all you deserve!
And by the way you can write in as much block letters as you wish, what does that prove, to me it only proves that you a re shallow!
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
And while we are in the spirit of correcting other people’s writing, Mr.Telemaque, may I point out a few things in your own writing?
scarifies–should be “sacrifices”.
peruse their academia–should be “persue”
up keep–should be “upkeep”.
The lesson here, FDT, is that when you live in a glass house, be careful where you throw stones.
Wait, wha chubble is dis: “persue” should be PURSUE. WAT A STONE!
I did not read the entire contents of your comment because the first few lines made me want to puke. Did the PM study for her? Did he do her exams or stayed up late to get to the point of success? Whatever the PM did or may not have done to get her started, the rest was ALL HER. Gail set a goal for herself and she accomplished the goal by herself. We are a SMART family, we do accomplish what we set out to accomplish. This ACCOMPLISHMENT has NOTHING to do with the PM. Even if the PM did set the path, she alone FOLLOWED THROUGH. Go find your goal.
I D I O T!!!!!! STUPES
Thank Prime Minister for setting a tone excellence! Never before in the history of this country when a Government has prompted people to study and be excellent at it. All over the world our students have a page of leadership, excellence and committment. Congratulations to Gail and other students, with support from the family and friends have achieved above and beyond. Hope other students follow this example of our leadership and excellent students.
You have made Dominica proud.
Congratulations
Congrats Sharplis, I really hope you get a job if you decide to return to Dominica…
I know you mean well, but instead of wishing she gets a job, you should encourage her to think of going into business for herself. That is what is going to grow the economy and possibly make her rich.
Well said. This is a critically important point, and more young people need to hear the message that Dominica can be a great place to set up a new business, particularly an online business.
She will.
I have to congratulate the sisters but fellas the ladies are leaving us behind. Strong sisters deserve strong brothers.
and the vicious cycle continues as we lose six more additional Dominican graduates never to return home. we give them scholarships owe AID bank never to repay to support Americas economy and they turn their backs on Dominica. I lost my three graduates similarly also.
Peter, so what do you propose as an alternative? Keep them ignorant so that they can remain in Dominica? Just asking.
Owe AID Bank. I am among those who have not returned. Do I wish that I could return, yes. But to what! No Job. and if I do create a job for myself, where is the economy to support it. Instead, I leave in a country which is not mine, but i go to sleep every night knowing that 1. I can provide for my children 2. I am given the opportunity to enhance my career with experience and additional educational opportunity 3. I can pay my AID Bank Loan – would not be able to so if I was back home. 4. I can Build hope for the children future! As I said, I do wish that I was back in my country. Like many Dominicans leaving abroad, I do face everyday with the hope that one day I can return and share the experience I have acquired in the states. Until then… I am so tired of people thinking that a decision to stay in the states, is one that people settle on easily!
I returned and I am able to do all what you are doing!!!!Directed at Anonymous!! Too tired to write a lenghty paragraph!!
Peter Karam, what is your point? Why do you say
“the vicious cycle continues” Why do you think you “lose six more additional Dominican graduates never to return home”? What make you think “you give them scholarships, owe AID bank never to repay to support America’s economy, and they turn their backs on Dominica”. Have you ever thought that maybe you “lost your three graduates” because you had NOTHING TO OFFER except the sponsorship? Can you ascertain that current and future graduates will not return or repay their loans? Go figure.
Good job Sharplis, Roberts and the others…U made us proud
Congrats to Gail and Deouna Baron!
Gailo i stayed in awe at your success.girl you dont know how much you encouraged me. studying is hard but the end result is sweet when you are succesful. thank you Gailo. you have energized me. Thank God for his many blesing on you.
one thing i hav a smart sister ehhhh boyy!!! so proud
From your name, you would have been smart too, if you would stop running lougaou
Wow!! Congrats! Very nicely done. Hard work does pay off. Am pretty sure your parents are extremely proud.
Felicitaciones, congrats, You always make me proud. I expect only the best from you my dear child. God Bless You! Tu querida profe para siempre.
Well done!!
OMG congrats Miss Sharplis I am ure former student from 1st form miss u n continue to strive for sucess IM TOTALLY PROUD OF YOU!
:*
Congrats Gail!!! We always knew you could do it! You made us proud!!
am so proud of my pass teacher
Congrats on attaining excellence. This is yours for life. Enjoy!
Really amazing.
mummy daddy and the entire nation is proud of you
So proud of my former co-worker. Not even surprise she took it because that’s the person she is. She will settle for nothing less than the best. Congrats Gaily.
No one should settle for less. This is a family that NEVER settles for less.
Congrats my girl……….we are so proud of you.
congrats my darling job well done
this is just the beginning
oh my god couin gail am crying right now you really make me proud congrates all the way also congrates to dindind and franklyn i know right now you guys are the happiest parents in vieillecase gail just head for the stars mwahhhh you made itttttt thats what matters i love you brains and beauty goes with it.
Congratulation Gail,so proud of you and my sister Desiree,I knew you guys would do big things. God will lead you guys into even bigger things. Stay positive and keep God first always.
congrats girl, and me this me another step of greater things to come
because she is from vielle case does not mean the pm sent her …. sot
the good thing is she is a Dominican and and people should get this in there head we put the PM and the rest to do a JOB and that JOB is to take care of Dominica and Dominicans business, I want to take the time out to say thanks to GOD for helping her and family and all who play there part in geting her that far well done am asking my Dominican people to take are good look and see how there a somany of Dominicans doing so good out there lets all take the time out to say a BIG THANKS TO GOD AND ALL OUR SWEET PEOPLE for going out there and do there best to the top one love to all Dominicans and those who a not from Dominica but live there and helping to do good for D/A
i guess da person who wrote the comment is from v.case so they know wat they’re sayin.
so shut up if u knw nth.
congratulations Gaily!!! u’ve done it. job well done!!! brains and beauty = itassi
Fantastic!
Congratulations Gail and thanks for making D/A proud
with all those comments; there isn’t one that’s thanking the Honourable Prime Minister for his help in getting her there.. ah wah..
This is a valedictorian speech, why do you want the PM or some other politician to be included or referenced. If the PM or others helped her personally, do you know whether she has thanked them privately? Also do you have a copy of the full speech?
You folks tie almost every situation around politics and politicians.
TRUE SAY
Like every other person who has gotten a scholarship,Gail deserved hers too.The P.M did not give Gail a scholarship…the Government of Dominica did.Stop politicizing everything….hater.Hope you are not one of those who did not use your opportunity wisely.
I got to agree with you… its her success and right away its political…. dominicans are just soo URGH
somebody just has to be the fool in every circumstance
The PM DID NOT get her there. This is ALL her. Where was the PM when she had sleepless nights studying and doing her work? Opening doors is one thing, but the rest is up to the individual. Did you ever stop to think that even if the PM had make all the efforts and arrangements, financially or otherwise, and Gail was careless she would have been in school for nothing? This is ALL GAIL, NO PM INCLUDED.
Congrats to team Dominica well done. Big up kacia from bawii
Congrats my darling. You’ve made us proud! Love ya!
Brilliant, well done, here is to a great future for you.
Our dear Gail the Sharplis family is very happy and proud of you. We thank God for the intelligence He blessed you with and how you use it for his honour and Glory. We congratulate you and your parent Frankyln and Bernardine Sharplis.The good Lord will continue to bless and guide you ans you move to higher hights.
Congratulations Gail.
Congratulation Gail that’s amazing you made your your family proud. Franklyn, Dindin and Fr. Sharplis she made you all proud.
Thats great of you gail make thee family pround and lift up viellecase
Congratulations my girl …wish u all the best on your life journey
congratulations!! what was she studying by the way/
Didnt you read.. the story said mass communication
Congratulations Gail
Is that scool a predominantly black school??…..are the standards lower at that school??…
People of all colour, race and class go there.What do you mean? Are you being smart?If you have not heard of Grambling University, it is obvious that you have not been around very long.And for your info ,they have the best band in the U.S.A. The rest , you need to go read about.
Really person Grambling is one of the prominent US Universities.
Do you know how STUPID you sound? what are you trying to imply ? just say well done and shut your mouth.
Even funnier that this was asked by someone who can’t spell “school”. Anyway, Grambling is an HBCU, but as someone who’s worked in American higher education for ten years, to me that doesn’t mean anything bad, especially since it’s accredited by the same agency that accredits schools like Vanderbilt, Duke, and Emory.
I’m happy
Congrats girlie… I am from Dominica and I live in Louisiana but haven’t had the chance to meet any Dominicans. Proud of you.
Where is Louisiana? I live in New Orleans and I don’t meet Dominicans there either.
Where in Louisiana I meant to say..
Well done Gail! Congratulations and Good luck, your well on your way. Great words of encouragement.
congrats my darling well done this is just the begining
Congratulations to the entire team, you’ve made Dominica smile.
Congratulations to all those successful young people who continue to make the Nature Isle proud
Congrats!
that wonderful great job u did it girl
omg i am so proud of my cousin never expected anything less from you keep striving
for the top i know your mom and dad are proud
Congrats to all the graduates for your accomplishments. Your country is proud of you!
Proud of my sister,you go girl!!!
where do i begin?sigh…deep breath..I’m in awe!!
I am so excited,elated,overwhelmed with excitement..Gail I am proud of you.You have made your parents,your friends ,family and country proud..Not forgetting the best city on the Island..ITASSI..you are determined,persistent,competent-you are just qualified to be in the position that you held today..you are the definition of excellence..topping 500 students not with a 3.5 but a 4.0 Gail you rock!..All the best to you in the future..
So now Itassi is a city? Embeh weh? because a place seem to have more doctors and lawyer and professors and degree holders than any other spot on the island does not qualify it as a city. I know that is part of the master plan they have for Itassi but not so fast, here are no cities in Dominica! Even what passes as our two towns (Roseau and Possie) are really glorified villages. Congrats to the young lady but Dominicans gotta realize what is going on. seems like there is a deliberate and concerted effort to make all the most academically accomplished people be from the Itassi region. Why is that? There are already more doctors and lawyers and politicians in the advanced nations who have there roots in VC than every other spot in DA combined. That makes no sense since it should be statistically impossible. This is a revolution carefully cultivated by the powers that be to ensure the rest of DA will be enslaved to Itassi people for the next few generations. Think about it..
Great job #gramfam!
Whoop whOop. So proud of you boo
I am so proud of you. Congrats my darling.
That’s my sister!!!!! This is just the beginning of all the great things she is destined to achieve!
wowwwwww so proud of Gail!
Congrats!
#TeamVieilleCase
Congrats Gail, way to go Da!
Congratulations Gail. I am so so proud of you. Keep up the great job and keep on striving. You are indeed a shining star.
go #TeamDominica, congrats to all of you
Felicidades mi amiguita•
Congratulation Gail I’am very proud of you. Good luck in your career. Franklyn and Dindin she made you all proud. That wonderful.
you go girl
Now, that is something to shout about. Well done my sister…very well done.
Congratulations to you all and much success in your future endeavors.
Congratulations Miss Sharplis continue the good work great job
Well done Gaily, so so proud of you. The sky is the limit for you. Hugs and kisses from you know who.
Congratulations Gail! always knew you had it in you! I know your parents are super proud of you! All the best in the future!
Congratulations Gail, You’ve made your family and vieille Case proud. Well done and all the best in the future.
CONGRATULATIONS DIDI BARON. MWA SIS. OOOOOHH YOU ALL ARE MAKING ME SMILE FROM EAR TO EAR. WOOOP WOOP
Vieille Case in di house. Congratulations
OMG OMG OMG OMG GALEEEEE YOU MAKE US SO PROUD. WOOOSH WOOSH CONGRATULATIONS. GOD BLESS YOU
Congratulations to all of you! Good news for Dominica
congratulations gayley im very proud …….. u go my girl
Congrats boo u made us very proud. Dominica here we go again ;) beauty n brain.
great goin gail…