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The Abaconian July 1, 2012
Twelve receive Abaco Pathfinders scholarships
By Canishka Alexander Twelve Abaco students were selected as the recipients of Abaco Pathfinders scholarships at an Awards Ceremony held on June 26 at New Vision Ministries. Following a video presentation on previous scholarship recipients, Leazona Richard, moderator, was thankful for the opportunities given to our youth as they pursue a college education. “It could not happen without having such great kids to work with, and it’s [the] job of my life,” she said.” Scholarship certificates were awarded to Deanza Cox; Diajha Cox; Octavia Dean-McIntosh; Cicely Gomez; Matthew Grammatico; Nathan Grammatico; Shavado Smith; David Vilmar; Tristen Walkes; Charo Williams; Marcus Sands and Corrinne Cornish. Cornish received the Lincoln University Award, and is the first recipient of the award, which came about through a joint partnership with Lincoln University and Abaco Pathfinders. Cornish will pursue a culinary arts degree in international bakery and pastry making.
Deanza and Diajha Cox of Forest Heights academy during the scholarship ceremony.
Michael Albury presents Marcus Sands with the Monty Albury Award for Excellence. So far, 160 students have been rewarded in the past 11 years. The selection process can sometimes be a grueling one as committee members review as much as 60 applications per year, which then have to be narrowed down to the 20 candidates who will advance to the interview stage. Students who are awarded scholarships do not need to reapply and are automatically approved for the following year once they maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5. But, as put forth by Michael Albury, chairman of Abaco Pathfinders, everyone has to do their part. Added to the recently awarded students, there are also 45 students already in the system that Pathfinders has to write cheques for each semester. During the interviews, Albury said students often ask why they do what they do. “It’s all about you,” he answered. “It’s overwhelming to us to see the quality of potential recipients that come in, so you just push everything to the limit and you lean out every expense you can to try to
make that difference.” Marcus Sands was called onstage for the second time to receive the Monty Albury Memorial Award for Excellence. Monty Albury was the brother-in -law of Michael Albury, and Monty’s son, Bradley Albury, presented the award to Sands. A determined young man, Sands plans to study hospitality management at the College of The Bahamas, and aspires to create the first Bahamian inter-island cruise line. Richard explained that although Sands – who demonstrated excellence and great potential in school, business and community – was turned down after his first application, he still volunteered at Pathfinders. The board of directors were so impressed with this young man that they sought out a way to assist him even further in his studies. Michael Albury also presented Sands with a financial gift from Pathfinders that went directly to him and not the school he will
R. Octavia Dean-McIntosh, Valedictorian of St. Francis and Pathfinders recipient.
Adrianna Philpot, past, and current, recipient of Pathfinders, gives advice to the students. attend. Joy Archer was among the past recipients who was asked to give advice to the awardees. She told them to set a standard for themselves, to learn everything they can, and to make the most of their opportunities. Adrianna Philpott advised them to stay on track, and to take elective classes which gives opportunities to grow academically. Jude Vilmar commended the young men and emphasized that hard work – not procrastination – pays off. Carl Archer Jr. told the students to always be prepared. As the ceremony drew to a close, Albury suggested that one of the students could always start up an alumni scholarship fund as well to benefit future students. Richard encouraged everyone to remember their feelings from that day, so that they could volunteer and spread the word about Abaco Pathfinders.
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The Abaconian July 1, 2012
School & Youth News Commissioner of Police addresses students as 88 graduate from CAPS By Canishka Alexander During the commencement at Central Abaco Primary School, held at Friendship Tabernacle Church on June 12, 88 students graduated to the seventh grade. Twanesha Lightbourn was recognized as the school’s valedictorian for the graduating Class of 2012. This year’s theme was: “Standing Firm, Standing Out, Making a Difference.” During the ceremony, Principal Rodney Smith gave his principal’s report before Dr. Lenora Black, district superintendent for the Dept. of Education, delivered her remarks. Smith said: “As you leave this fine institution, it will both be exciting and scary, but this change, this journey that you are about to embark on, is inescapable.” After thanking parents, teachers and the community for their support, Dr. Black emphasized the importance of each citizen being involved in the education of our country’s youth. She also congratulated the students for their achievements noting that they had earned the right to be there. “You are smart beyond measure,” she said. Of the 88 graduates, 31 were boys while the remaining 57 were girls. Lorenz Carter and Joshua Moss introduced Commissioner of Police Elli-
son Greenslade as the keynote speaker. He mentioned his extreme delight in being given the opportunity to share such a special moment in their lives. However, as they prepare for high school, Commissioner Greenslade told them that they would have challenges, but that they must stand firm. To parents, Commissioner Greenslade reminded them that not all of the graduates would go on to become bankers, doctors, lawyers and a number of other occupations. “Your child must carry a good heart within his or her bosom, have a deep abiding faith in God and a belief in God, and do what is right, and you support them with the right things that they want to do.” The Grade 6 students dedicated the remainder of the program as a tribute to parents and teachers. Jordan Vilma gave the vote of thanks before Senior Master Leroy Thompson offered a prayer for the graduates.
Right: Commissioner Ellison Greenslade (center) standing with Lorenz Carter( right) and Joshua Moss (left), CAPS graduates.
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The Abaconian July 1, 2012
School & Youth News Hope
From Page 5
the goal to assist persons to receive their high school diploma but now any one can get a degree from an associate’s degree up to their doctorate degree. The salutatorian of the class was Kristoff Smith. The other two adult graduates were Kesia Ceremy and Yahsmine Frazier.
Grief counselors on Abaco to help students deal with tragedy at sea By Samantha Evans Following the tragedy at sea on June 10, three Abaco schools were left in mourning as some of the lives lost were students from those schools. One student, Caleb Previllion, was the student of Grade 5 from Central Abaco Primary School, S. C. Bootle high lost one of their Grade 12 students Shanna Baptiste, and Treasure Cay Primary School was the most affected having lost five students from their school: Kedley Baptiste from Grade 1, Evyniskie Baptiste from Grade 4, Alonzo Joseph from Grade 4, Chistianta Joseph from Grade 4, and Jermaine Joseph from Grade 5. On June 13, Grief Counseling began at Central Abaco Primary School, conducted by the school counselor there. On June 14, a team of four grief counselors came to Abaco from Nassau and Freeport. The counselors engaged in many exercises with the students that aimed to help them cope with their losses and better channel their feelings productively. The two primary schools affected have planned to have memorial services for their students, as they need closure to this unexpected incident before they begin their summer vacation.
ACHS Local Junior Councilors engage in last community service for school year By Samantha Evans Under the guidance of their advisors Ms. Farrington and Ms. McMullan, the nine Local Government Junior Councilors (LGJC) of Abaco Central High School made plans and took the initiative to make much needed repairs to the children's park located at Brown's Bay in Dundas Town. On June 15 the councilors made their way to the children's park and began staining the two swing sets. Repairs were also made to the ladders and the four swings were replaced.
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The junior councilors are asking that the community help to maintain the play sets on the park so that the children of the community can enjoy them over the summer. They are also requesting that people who frequent the park help to keep it clean by placing all trash in the bin located onsite. This project was the LGJC final community project to end their term. They also cleaned Murphy and Dundas Town communities earlier in the year. This is also the last project for the LGJC with their local coordinator Ms. Farrington, who has been relocated to New Providence. The LGJC will travel to New Providence on June 28 for the closing ceremony.
Above: ACHS Local Junior Councilors complete repair and cleanup projects at Brown’s Bay Public Park.
S.C. Bootle graduates encouraged to set goals for their future By Canishka Alexander According to S.C. Bootle Principal Huel Moss, the 2012 graduates entered their graduation ceremony on June 8 to much fanfare and loud applause from their elated parents, families, friends and well wishers. The welcome was given by Oriscia Clarke, head girl, while remarks were brought by Senior Education Officer Leslie Rolle, who represented the Ministry of Education. During his principal’s report, Moss spoke about the progress of the school for the academic year, and he also highlighted the successful events that had taken place. Graduate Ieisha Cornish reflected on the good times and bad times that she and her classmates had shared as friends from Grade 7. Salutatorian John Henderson, also head boy, gave his speech. He was quite emotional as he thanked everyone for all the support he received and promised to take the values taught to him wherever he goes. Simmone Mullings of Horizons Academy gave the keynote address. She admonished the graduates to set goals and strive towards achieving them and to never to give up on their purpose in life. While she realized that there would be people who did not want to see them succeed on their journey, she still encouraged them to never let that be a deterrent to them. “Instead, use it as a stepping stone to higher heights,” Mullings said. The students were then presented with their diplomas, certificates and special awards. The Principal's Award was Please see
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School & Youth News Bootle
Tennessee youth leaders facilitate VBS
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given to Shavado Smith for his “outstanding participation and success in school activities, good personality and attitude.” Various students received awards for being outstanding athletes and best performers in the different subject areas. In her valedictorian’s address, Hope Ramotar reflected on her years at school, the hard work and dedication and the support given by her parents, teachers and friends. She encouraged her fellow graduates to continue to work hard and to put God first.
By Canishka Alexander A group of 24 youth leaders from the Christ United Methodist Church’s Salt and Light Choir in Chattanooga, Tenn. facilitated a Vacation Bible School (VBS) from June19-23 at the International Mission Bible Church. The VBS was open to all age groups. The day before VBS began, the group walked around the community with invitations encouraging parents to send their children. Christina Malone, group leader for Salt and Light, explained that the group’s
first visit to Abaco was two years ago, and since then they have been excited to return each summer. “We look forward to the chance to come back again, and the children have just really blessed us,” she said. Throughout the week, 50 or more children participated in recreational games like volleyball and soccer, while others were involved in Bible lessons and crafts as well as a music workshop. Malone said that every night the children were also given material to share with their families. Teenagers were given similar activities to participate in, and they were also engaged in Bible study sessions.
Above: Valedictorian of S C Bootle’s graduating class, Hope Ramotar. She reflected on the dedication and hard work of her parents and teachers. Left: Head boy and Salutatorian, John Henderson. He gave an emotional thanks to everyone who made his success, and the success of his peers, possible.
Nine students graduate in Horizons Academy’s class of 2012 By Samantha Evans It has been only one academic year since Horizons Academy opened their doors. On June 12, nine students graduated with their high school diploma at Friendship Tabernacle Church. The graduates of the Class of 2012 were Creslin Archer, Nathan Bootle, Ajene Dorsette, Morana Fertil, Daisha Rolle, Deon Rolle, Henrick Theagene, Rolanda Williams, and Tysheron Williamson. After the administrator gave her report the guest speaker gave his charge to the graduates. Simone Bowe-Mullings spoke about their humble beginnings and the blessings that led to this graduation. She explained that the school blossomed to fulfill the need of students who had specific academic needs that were not available on Abaco. Hence, the dream for Horizons Academy began and today the school has 25 students. Before Pastor Terrence Strachan
spoke, the graduates performed a song entitled “We are more than Conquerors” which was written by graduate Nathan Bootle. Pastor Strachan said he was amazed at the accomplishments the school had been able to achieve in such a short period of time. He told the graduates that each one of them has a unique purpose in life. After Pastor Strachan’s presentation, the valedictorian, Rolanda Williams, spoke. She began by saying that in September of 2011 they were thrust into a new environment and while there, they had to learn to be united. She thanked the teachers for helping them mature. The salutatorian was Creslin Archer. Afterwards, the graduates presented their parents with a rose. Awards were given out for sports, leadership, school spirit, attendance, good Christian character, Spanish, and perseverance. The supportive parents were also acknowledged.
Salt and Light Youth Choir out of Chatanooga, Tenn., play an exciting game of soccer with children on Abaco during their Vacation Bible School.
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Crime Report
Armed Robbery A man armed with a shotgun shot out a window on the western side of the shop at Shell 24/7 at 4:23am on June 21. The 39 year old employee reported that the gunman reached through the window stealing an undetermined amount of cash out of the cash register. The employee described the suspect to officers of the Marsh Harbour Police Station as a slim, dark male dressed in white T-Shirt, dark color pants, white tennis and black tam. He was said to have approached from a western direction. The culprit made good his escape on foot in a western direction towards the Mudd. The police are still investigating this matter. Shop Breaking On June 22 Officers from the Marsh Harbour Police Station reported that while on mobile patrol along Don MacKay Blvd. they responded to an alarm at Kentucky Fried Chicken. While checking the rear of the establishment they observed a 46 yearold man who they knew as a resident of Spring City who ran from the area. With the assistance of additional officers, they were able to detain the suspect and brought him to police station where he was booked in. According to the owners account nothing appears to have been stolen at this time. The suspect was interviewed and admitted to breaking into the establishment looking for food. As a result, he was charged for Shop breaking and scheduled to attend court on June 25. Causing Damages An employee of a service station in Marsh Harbour reported to police that sometime between 6pm on June 19 and 7am on June 20 some unknown person/s
smashed the front right window to a burgundy Delta vehicle that was on the premise of for repairs. Police action requested and the investigation continues. Causing Harm A 38 year old male of Elbow Cay reported that sometime around 1:00am on June 22 that while he was at a local bar he was punched in the face by a man known to him. The police responded picking up a 32 year-old suspect from Elbow Cay who was later arrested and charged with this matter. Threats of Death A 29 year-old Dundas Town resident was pushed and threatened with death while sitting at a bar in Dundas Town. The man, who was known to the victim, came up to him and began pushing him, ripped his shirt and threatened to kill him for taking his girlfriend, putting him in fear for his life. The victim reported the incident to the police who are continuing investigation in the matter. Shop Breaking & Stealing A snack shop located in Murphy Town was broken into by some unknown person(s) sometime between 8:30pm on June 18 and 8:00am on June 19. It was reported to the police that an assortment of chips and juices valued at $200.00 were stolen Two 15 year old juveniles of Murphy Town were arrested in reference to this matter. Both accused admitted to the offences, were charged and released on bail in the amount of $500.00 to attend court on June 26. Threats of Harm, Obscene Languages and Disorderly Behaviour At 8:35pm on June 21 a 53 year old
The Abaconian
male of Crown Haven reported to police that his neighbour was using obscene language in a loud tone of voice creating an annoyance. Police Officers from the Fox Town Police Station responded to the scene where he saw and spoke to the accused concerning his behaviour. The accused continued his behaviour along with threatening tones. As a result the officers arrested the accused in reference to this matter. He was brought to Marsh Harbour Police Station where he was later charged. Child Abuse On June 20 a Social Service Worker reported that she received information that a man known to the Department of Social Services was constantly abusing his two children and Police action was requested. That same evening Police Officers along with a Social Services Worker went to the residence where they saw and spoke to the mother of the children. While at the residence the mother showed her children who are eleven and seven years old to the authorities. The children were taken to receive medical attention in this matter as the investigation continues. Sudden Death A resident of the Pigeon Peas reported that while at her residence on June 24 at about 1:40pm, her 46 year-old mother told her that she was experiencing a headache. Shortly after her mother fell on the bed and was unresponsive. Police Officers were dispatched to the scene and examined the body. There was no sign of trauma. A local Doctor from the Marsh Harbour Government Clinic attended the scene and pronounced the mother dead.
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Murphy Town Town Committee By Timothy Roberts June 19, 2012 The Murphy Town Town Committee finalized their remaining expenditures for the budget year, including the signing of a contract for repairs and renovations at the Burial Society, during their meeting on June 19. Jackson Blach was awarded a contract for $7400 to complete repairs to the boxing and fascia as well as build a closet and bathroom and the rear interior wall among other items. He is expected to complete the job in about two weeks weather permitting. The committee also discussed having the area around the track and field cleared and cleaned from the playground area around to the stage and by the basketball court. The committee agreed to a contract for $900 to clear the area. Deshawn Simms, Chairman of the Committee suggested that the committee undertake repairs to the old bathrooms on the west side of the track near the playground which have been out of order for some time. He suggested money be set aside for the materials and to find volunteers to do the work. Committee member Gilbert Davis said that he would organize it and find volunteers to do the work. The committee moved and approved the setting aside of $2500 for road work to the Bahama Coral Shores area. The committee also agreed to a donation of $1000 to the Burial Society, a donation of $1000 to the Murphy Town Junkanoo Group, $556 for Road patching in Murphy Town and $556 for bathroom repairs.
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School & Youth News Darlings
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the year. The demonstrations ranged from Bible memory verses, recitations, foreign languages and sign language. Principal Christine Bostwick thanked her staff for their commitment to the school. K-2 student Scarlett Reckley received a bicycle as her reward from selling 48 tickets for the school’s fair in May. The ceremony continued with awards being distributed to the students from K-2 to K-5. The graduates were soon engaged in a presentation of roses to their parents, and they also performed a dance presentation. Teacher Vangie Stuart also performed a liturgical dance as her tribute to the graduating class. Dr. Lenora Black was the guest speaker for the ceremony, and she began by congratulating all of the students on their accomplishments. “I am indeed privileged to be among many to be involved in what I believe is the most exciting career on the face of the earth,” Dr. Black remarked. “I believe that the job of teaching, rather it’s not a job, it’s a vocation. You don’t do it for a salary. You simply do it because you realize that you are the authority to change the very face of eternity because of what you sow into these little children.” She went on to say that the road to success is paved with hard work, that each child is uniquely different, and that the students are all smart beyond measure.
Students graduate from Long Bay School By Samantha Evans Nineteen students graduated from Long Bay School on Thursday June 14 at the school’s auditorium on Forest Drive. Principal Jacqueline Collie told the students that graduation is a time to celebrate and to give thanks. To achieve excellence she told them that they have to do more than they are doing. She challenged the graduates to stop waiting and begin their future immediately, to do more than is expected, to write now, to pursue their dreams today, and to practice saying “no.” The address came from President of the ACUM Dr. Leonard A. Johnson. The valedictorian and salutatorian then gave their addresses. Cicely Gomez, the top graduate from the class of 2012 spoke of the various roles each graduate played in the class. She remembered the fun times they shared and stated that through the challenges, they stood strong and were able to overcome them. Natalie Pritchard, second in the class, spoke of the remarkable achievements of the graduates and gave all thanks to God. She spoke of the role of parents and that parenting is a calling. The principal presented each graduate with their diploma and turned their tassel, signifying that they were now graduates. Parents of the graduates were presented with a certificate of appreciation from Chairman of Long Bay School Mr. Isaac Collie. The students also gave
their parents a rose. The graduates then received their awards. The students presented gifts to their teachers and Principal Collie.
Cyber Learning Center doing well By Samantha Evans CYBER Learning Center stands for the acronym: Challenging Youths to Become Exceptional Role Models and has had a most interesting journey since their inception. The CLC promises to motivate and assist all students in achieving their goals academically. In spite of accepting students who find it difficult to excel in the “normal’” class setting, CLC is able to build self-confidence within students who lack high self-esteem. CLC began in downtown Marsh Harbour above Abacom and adopted the name “The small school that can” with 16 students and one teacher. Their main purpose was to secure high school diplomas for students who were not in a position to get one from other schools for many different reasons. Today CLC has relocated to their current location where they have been for the past six years. When they moved there they had 25–30 students and 3 teachers. The school has had much success since then and now has an enrollment of over 50 students. CLC have placed 1st and 2nd for the
past three years at Friends of the Environment Science Fair, held their first graduation of 6 seniors in 2009, had their first student attend college in 2011, who is Carl Archer Jr., and had great Math and Science scores on the GLAT in 2006 and 2011. CLC received an acre of land to build its school and this year began building at the new location. They plan to relocate to the new site as soon as it is complete and, contrary to the word on the street that they are closing down, that could not be further from the truth. On June 14, the Awards Ceremony for the 2011-2012 school year was held at the school, which gave the teachers and administrator a chance to honor those students who excelled. Enzil Cooper stated that they aim to prepare kids to be the next best thing so that their future can be great. Sharon Greene gave her principal’s address but instead of focusing on all that the school has done and the plans for the school’s future, she encouraged parents to devote all of their time to their children because they are worth it. After she spoke the awards were presented. The top students for the 2011-2012 school year were: Tyneil and Aliyah Adderley, William Phillips (Top Student for GLAT Science 2011), Terran Strachan and Chante Basden. The students received certificates and gifts. Parents also had a chance to view a slide show of activities over the year and view students’ work in their respective classrooms.
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The Abaconian July 1, 2012