On Wednesday morning, January 29th, 2025, the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS) in Palmetto Point hosted its annual awards ceremony, highlighting the academic achievements of students at the school during the Christmas Term (September through December) 2024. Family and community support for achieving students at the school was strong, with a tent full of parents and guardians, who had arrived early for the occasion.
The theme for the morning’s recognition event – which took place on the grounds of the school’s campus – was, “Charting a Course to Academic Excellence.”
Moderated by Central Eleuthera High School 11th graders – Cartier Johnson and Sohan Bryan, the program was opened with prayer, followed by the reading of a scripture, a short welcome, and the singing of the national anthem and pledge, done by 12th grader, Maliah Cooper, as well as a dance selection by students – Baldeisha Johnson and Brittania Britton.
Special guest speaker for the morning ceremony was Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Clay Sweeting, who highlighted eight important concepts, in line with the event’s theme of charting a course to excellence, for achieving academic success, starting with the necessity of setting a clear vision, akin to having a map with a destination.
Building a strong foundation was highlighted as the next crucial step. This foundation, built on discipline and consistency, he said, is essential for long-term success. MP Sweeting candidly admitted to his past mistakes of cramming and procrastination, advocating instead for mastering the basics of education. He stressed that true academic success is cultivated over time, not through shortcuts. Embracing challenges was another vital theme. Mr. Sweeting shared personal anecdotes of setbacks and failures, illustrating how these experiences foster resilience and growth. He encouraged students to adopt a growth mindset, emphasizing that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence.
Time management and prioritization were discussed as essential skills in today’s fast-paced world. Students were urged to allocate their time wisely, focusing on what truly matters in their academic journeys. Cultivating curiosity and passion for learning was also deemed crucial; approaching studies with genuine interest, he shared, increased both motivation and engagement. Collaboration and seeking support were underscored as vital components of academic success. He encouraged students to surround themselves with a network of mentors, peers, and supportive individuals who could provide guidance and different perspectives. The importance of celebrating progress was also highlighted. Acknowledging even the smallest achievements, he advised, could boost motivation and reinforce the understanding that success is a continuous journey, not merely a destination. Minister Sweeting encouraged the students to stay focused, curious, and confident in their abilities. He also expressed immense pride in the students’ accomplishments and encouraged them to continue charting their courses toward academic success.
Following MP Sweeting’s inspiring message, the presentation of awards got underway. Presented in order of grade levels, beginning with the 7th grade, students throughout the school were recognized with certificates for their achievements. The audience on the Wednesday morning, got fully involved in cheering for each student as they approached the podium to receive their awards and accolades.
Those students who had achieved a grade point average of between 2.5 and 2.99 were singled out as ‘rising stars’, and were encouraged to push forward and to put in the work to reach the next level of the honour roll.
Honour Roll students in each grade level, who had achieved a grade point average of 3.00 to 3.49 were presented with both a certificate and an honour roll pin. Students recognized for this accomplishment included: Grade 7 – Gabriel Hepburn, Benjanikah Delancy, Ayana Cadet, and Demi Johnson. Grade 8 – Adrianna Bethel, Xavier Ferguson, Ezekiel Warren, Franchaz Carey, Tirlyah Pinder Trevor Forbes, Ajanaye Bethel, Cholaine Frederic, Dionne Thompson, and Rogdrecko Pinder. Grade 9 – Bria Allen, Oneillia Levy, Prenesha Cooper, Joevone Simmons, Almitra Rolle-Meeres, Daniellah Gierszewski, Christie Cadet, Toni Collie, and Charity Knowles. Grade 10 – Max Bien-Aime, Arianna Bain, Lyneya Johnson, Christina Lesbott, Cailen Albury, and Kristofferson Johnson. Grade 11 – Aniah Williams, Baldeisha Johnson, Camilo Cooper, Jordan Gibson, Labron Neymour, Noelle Wilson, Nathen Albury, Jadon Culmer, Merrinique Parker, Ricardo McKenzie, Carnetta Gooding, and Cartier Johnson. Grade 12 – Rodnique Smith, Alicia Rolle, Henry Knowles, Ava Morehouse, Tamia Major, Khylee Johnson, Neikeeleah Johnson, Orlandria Pinder, Ryesha Culmer, Andrielle Gardiner, Benesha Mecidor, Jade Ferguson, and Mikalah Bethel.
A distinguished group of students, who achieved a grade point average of 3.50 to 4.00 were rewarded as Principal’s List award recipients, with certificates and pins. Those students included: Grade 7 – Breona Sineus. Grade 9 – Eckward Ferguson. Grade 10 – Mckhaln Pinder. Grade 11 – Matteo Albury, Jaedawn Fritz, Sohan Bryan, and Carson Charlow. Grade 12 – Maliha Cooper, D’Sean Homer, Marcia Bien-Aime, Hermane Exament, Britania Britton, Antoinae Allen, Rosa’ngela Ibarra, Gabriel Ajul, and Tamar Denton.
One student at each grade level was also recognized for having topped their peers in academic performance, as the ‘Top of the Class’ award recipient with the highest grade point average. The six students were: Breona Sineus (7th grade), Rogdrecko Pinder (8th grade), Eckward Ferguson (9th grade), Mckhaln Pinder (10th grade), Carson Charlow (11th grade), and Tamar Denton (12th grade).
