Radio personality Hans Des Vignes says young people should not bow to peer pressure, since it can detract them from being successful in secondary school. He made this comment while delivering the feature address at Courts 2010 SEA Awards, at Kapok Hotel, St Clair, on Friday. He was addressing employees' children who had excelled at the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) examinations.
Among the top three awardees were Saron Franco, Khalifah McMillan-Clarke and Tonya Durrant. "Many negative people will come to you in secondary school, offering you or influencing you in activities that can bring you down and stop you from being where you want to be," Des Vignes said. "Do not fall victim to peer pressure because if many of us in the world today fell victim, we would be vagrants, criminals or even dead by now. Don't take chain up.
"Remember the values your parents taught you and stay positive... Never let someone tell you what you can or cannot be. "Peer pressure can lead to joining gangs, substance abuse or dropping out of school." He also reminded the children to overcome the obstacles, seize opportunities and trust in the Almighty. Among those addressing the children were Errol Le Blanc, managing director, UNICOMER's (Trinidad) Limited and Cindy Ann Gatt, director of marketing and service. They were joined by Paula Daniel-Linton, marketing manager and marketing assistant/public relations Adanna Sween.
'Plan for future success'
Le Blanc reminded the children that future success depended upon proper planning. "This is the first milestone in your lives and it is commendable that you have done well," he said. "Reflect on what contributed to this success and examine the challenges."
Awardees:
Britney Birju
Nikkiesha Ali
Kishan K Roopchand
Renee Lopez
Ternisha Jaimungal
Brent Bertrand-Munroe
Nicolette Elahie
Shellon Andrews
Renee Alysha Bernard
Luke Sorillo
Latifah Brathwaite
