I had the great pleasure of attending the Parchment Academy's first graduation last evening. Thirteen students from the Billy's Bay area graduated from this adult literacy training program, all of which took the H.E.A.R.T. exams qualifying them to be able to apply to a tertiary institution. One graduate is already attending H.E.A.R.T in their food program.

The students have been attending classes for a year. For the first six months they met 3 times a week for 2 hour classes. The last six months it was twice a week, again, two hour classes. The head teacher is Ms. Veron Parchment, with assistant teachers Ms. Anderson and Ms. Jeanne Genus. This academy was started and is supported by our dear friends Susan and David Vance.

The academy is currently recruiting students for their next classes which will be beginning soon. For more information please contact Miss Veron at 876-467-5775 or email her at varz@live.ca

The graduation ceremony included remarks from the school's founder Ms. Susan Vance, a congratulatory speech given by Miss Veron, a speech by the valedictorian, Leandy Clarke, and a closing prayer given by Ms. Young.

The ceremony was followed by a delicious dinner catered by Preacher & O'Neil Catering. Family and friends joined the graduates in celebrating this wonderful achievement. The Elliot brothers led us all in a sing-a-long which was quite entertaining and loads of fun.

Sincerest congratulations to each and every one of the graduates as each of you showed determination, dedication and strong will in reaching your goals. I wish all of you great success, may this be just the beginning.

Graduates:

Leandy Clarke - valedictorian
Catherine Clarke
Sarah Clarke
Nadine Coke
Shellian Coke
Charmaine Ebanks
Elesha Ebanks
Sharon Ebanks
Dave Elliott
Nicole James
Gloria Robinson
Shenel Robinson
Yanique Whyte

You can view photos of this wonderful event here or by the link in the Photo Gallery

I am extremely proud and excited for this program, these young people and the bright future awaiting them. Goes to show it is never too late to dream, never too late to try. Thanks to those wonderful folks who are supporting this program and many thanks to Veronica and the rest of the Teaching staff for availing themselves and lending their gifts to giving back to these fine students.

Thank you Rebecca for reporting on this we sure needed to hear of other folks accomplishments so we can celebrate with them and encourage them to continue on the path to success.

Go Treasure Beach and its finest resources, Its young minds being redeemed for such a time as this.

This is wonderful. Rebecca, could you tell us more about the academy. When was it started and how did it start? I've been trying to help get literacy education off the ground in TB for a few years now, and haven't heard anything about this. Please share more details. I am so thrilled to hear that this is happening and offer my sincerest congratulations to all of the students. What a wonderful accomplishment for all of you. And thank you to Ms. Parchment, Ms. Anderson and Ms. Genus. You have started something great. When will the next class begin?

This is another treasure in our midst.

Congratulations to the founders, teachers and students.

I am so so thrilled about this! My heart is full. So much giving by Susan and David, the teachers of the Academy and the students....it is the most heartwarming news. It makes me so proud to see loved ones like Leandy and Catherine and Sarah among the graduates. Congratulations to them and to each and every one of the grads. Thank you for the pictures, for in them I also see McCarl, whom Milt and I love like a son. I know he's working hard to be among the next set of grads. Go for it McCarl! What we see happening at Parchment Academy (and I LOVE the name) is what the world needs more of - love...generosity...respect....hard work....and deserved pride. Wow.

Wonderful and heart warming story, keep up the good work.

Thanks to the school founder Susan Vance and congrats to all
Axel&Andrea