On Friday 3rd September, 2021, the North East Comprehensive School (NECS) hosted its 15th annual graduation ceremony under the theme ‘Success is not just a destination, it is a journey’. Ms. Kurtisha Prevost of Marigot was honored to represent the graduating class as the Valedictorian for the 2020/2021 academic year.
Upon Interview with Emonews, Prevost expressed, “My academic journey over the last five years can be described as unique. After completing one year at the North East Comprehensive School, I was transferred to Antigua where I attended forms two and three; this was as a result of the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017. My path led to my return to the North East Comprehensive School in form 4 and the completion of my secondary education.”
She explained that her journey to success has been filled with many obstacles but she has been able to overcome them through God’s grace and mercy. According to Prevost, giving up was never an option. She had to remain steadfast if she were to alter her story and impact her destiny.
Additionally, she noted that as a student she has been consistently faced with challenges of climate change and global uncertainties such as the passage of Tropical Storm Ericka in 2015 and the passage of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Nonetheless, the biggest challenge has been of more recent times, with the emergence of the global pandemic, Covid-19.
“Initially, when schools had to be shut down and we had to continue classes on zoom or google classroom, I was not comfortable with this learning platform. However, I overcame this challenge by getting familiar with the online platform, focusing during class similar to the classroom setting and making the teacher explain to me what I didn’t understand as many times until I finally got it,” she stated.
Moreover, Prevost reminisced on the graduation theme stating, “Even as we pause to celebrate our success, we would have to agree that this is but a small step along life’s great journey. Our graduation from high school has only served to open more doors to other challenges and opportunities which we need to embrace with even greater zeal than those that we have already conquered.”
Furthermore, she commended the staff of NECS for their dedication which has afforded her, along with the other graduates, meaningful and practical knowledge in diverse fields as well as prepared them for a myriad of possible challenges. She also thanked her parents, aunts and siblings for their moral support and love throughout her academic journey.
Most importantly, Prevost encourages other young people to keep striving. She concluded, “Don’t give up and always believe in yourself. If persons look down at you, when you’ve made mistakes in life show them that you can be successful.”
