St Augustine Girl’s High School’s (SAGHS) scholarship winners were reminded yesterday that their journey to excellence will cover paths beyond academics. The nine awardees were encouraged to continue blazing trails while being the best versions of themselves.
Among those honoured during the recognition ceremony at the school’s auditorium was Saira Mohammed, who won the President’s Medal. She and the other scholars were treated to a rip-roaring welcome from students and teachers.
Leading the assembly in prayer and thanksgiving was chaplin Rev. Dr Annabelle Lalla-Ramkhelawan, followed by a performance by the school’s choir.
A teacher, identified as Mr Thompson, remarked that the girls’ achievements on the cusp of International Women’s Day was a triumph.
“I want to remind you all that a few decades ago women were not allowed to have an education, or to vote or any sort of things like that. Decades later and we can see why women were not allowed to vote, to see why women were not allowed to get an education because you all are better than men most of the time,” he said
Solange Joseph said family support was key to her success.
“Everything I am, I owe it to my parents. They have worked and continue to work tirelessly to make sure I have a better life than they did. They have given up everything and more so that I can have opportunities that never did,” she said.
Maali Rose credited her success to her classmates and mentors:”Thank you for giving me the unique SAGHS experience that I would not exchange for anything else in the world, I’m grateful to have grown up here with all of you.”
Reverend Joy Abdul-Mohan, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, said academic success was only a stepping stone to further excellence which should spill outside the classroom.
“Always remember that you were chosen for a purpose, let not your education make you brighter but let your education make you better human beings. Better women, men, young people and children,” she said.
