On June 30th 2023, the Pierre Charles Secondary School (PCSS) hosted its graduation ceremony under the theme ‘Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can’. Abigail Xavier captured this year’s Valedictorian award and denotes her current success to her relentless perseverance throughout her years at PCSS.
Dating back to 2018, Xavier entered PCSS having achieved a pass at the Grade Six National Assessment. “Though disappointed that I didn’t achieve a scholarship or bursary, I always knew that the potential to perform creditably was stored up somewhere inside of me. Thus, I made it my goal to make the honor roll for every term during my five years in high school,” she added.
With this positive mentality, Xavier set out to successfully navigate her academic life. Despite this, she was faced with a few challenges which include online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and the adjustments which came with it. “In spite of all the many challenges, I can say that we made it out,” she voiced.
Moreover, Xavier noted that when she received her graduation letter, she was not surprised that she was valedictorian. In fact, she was rather happy and proud for not only having accomplished this milestone but also for living up to her goals and fulfilling her promise to her mother. “I’ve always envisioned myself graduating as the valedictorian. Your dreams can’t become realities by just having them and doing nothing about them. Becoming the valedictorian took a lot of hard work, determination, and many sleepless nights. Intrinsic motivation and my endeavor to excel pushed me to achieve my goals,” she revealed.
Xavier extended thanks to her parents, Marvlin and Eustace Xavier for being the driving force in terms of their encouraging words and, most importantly, for instilling in her godly principles and values. She also expressed deepest appreciation to her teachers, classmates, other family members, friends and acquaintances for their immense support and extra motivation.
In sticking with the 2023 graduation theme, Xavier addressed her graduating class by stating that the key to success is not necessarily having everything in place, but to begin the journey at the place where you are. “It means that you don’t need to have all of your resources or circumstances entirely sorted out before you get started. Instead, utilizing the tools you have, the skills you have, and the environment as it is, is key to take that first step,” she stated.
As she culminated her address, she encouraged her fellow graduates to keep pushing and to maintain their focus. “Expect change. Analyze the landscape. Take the opportunities. Stop being the chess piece; become the player. It’s your move. You will face challenges; challenges that you may have never expected. However, in order to achieve success, you must face challenges, and if in the process you don’t face any challenges, then you are not on your way to success,” she ended.
In light of her success at the secondary level, Emonews extends congratulations to Ms. Xavier and wishes her future success.
