Graduation 2010

What a grand and glorious day it was!!! Thirty-five boys and girls graduated from Holy Cross Anglican School today. The graduates, who wore their school uniforms, looked so pretty and handsome. The auditorium at the high school was beautifully decorated by Ms. Zulma and her committee. There was an arch of black and gold balloons for the graduates to walk under as they processed into the auditorium. Ms. James served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and kept everything running smoothly. Mrs. Carol Babb, former General Manager of the Anglican Schools and now Deputy Chief of the Ministry of Education, was the guest speaker. Mrs. Grace and Mrs. Francis also gave brief remarks. Rosa Lopez gave the traditional Valedictorian's speech. I was asked to give the invocation and the benediction -- a very special honor for me. There were songs, dances and poems by the children in the other grades. Prizes -- backpacks full of school supplies -- were given to the children with the first and second highest grades in each class.

Every school has its graduation traditions and at Holy Cross the Standard V students sing "There is a Candle". The Valedictorian brings in the torch. The members of the graduating class pass it from one to the next and finally to a representative from Standard V who carries it out of the auditorium. Very symbolic and moving.

Of the 35 graduates, 27 have scholarships for high school. If any of the others decide to go on to high school later, funds will be available for them as well. Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Kingwood, Texas, raised the money for 25 of those scholarships and had representatives there today to present them. Amazing opportunities for education and success are being provided to children who otherwise would not be able to go on in school. Imagine in the United States if kids were told at the end of 8th grade that, because their families couldn't pay $500 a year, they would not be allowed to go to high school. We have so many opportunities that we take for granted.

As a special treat for all the children and their families, the group from Texas had ordered 500 cupcakes. They were devoured at the close of the ceremony.

I will try to include a representative sample of pictures from this fantastic day.