Nevis Sixth Form College Commences Academic Year with Fifty-Two New Students

The Nevis Sixth Form College embarked on a new academic year with a vibrant influx of 52 freshmen, joining 59 returning second-year students. This marked a significant milestone in the students’ educational journeys as they transitioned into tertiary-level studies. The college, recognizing the importance of this transition, organized a comprehensive Orientation and Advising Session to welcome the students and equip them for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. The session, themed “Embracing the Journey, Navigating the Sixth Form with Purpose and Resilience,” aimed to instill in the students a sense of purpose, resilience, and a proactive approach to their studies.

Mrs. Kerilyn David, Deputy Principal with responsibility for the Nevis Sixth Form College, extended a warm welcome to the students, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to excellence, support, and fostering a sense of community. She encouraged the students to embrace the challenges inherent in higher education, highlighting the college as a place for personal and intellectual growth. Mrs. David’s words underscored the transformative potential of the Sixth Form experience, urging students to seize the opportunity to shape their own narratives and make their time at the college truly remarkable.

Motivational speaker Shalicia Glassford reinforced this message, urging the students not merely to survive but to thrive in their new academic environment. She challenged them to discover their full potential and author their own success stories, emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment and making the most of their time at the college. Glassford’s address served as a powerful call to action, inspiring the students to approach their studies with determination and a proactive mindset.

Ms. Zahnela Claxton, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, broadened the scope of the students’ educational journey, emphasizing the importance of holistic development. She reminded them that the next two years were not solely about academics but also about personal growth, character development, and the cultivation of essential life skills. Claxton highlighted the importance of refining values, fostering independence, and gaining self-awareness as crucial aspects of their development during this period. She encouraged the students to embrace these opportunities for personal growth alongside their academic pursuits.

Beyond personal development, Claxton also stressed the importance of cultivating leadership qualities, responsibility, and discipline. These attributes, she noted, would serve the students well throughout their lives, extending beyond the confines of the classroom. Furthermore, Claxton addressed the practical aspect of higher education, urging students to explore and take advantage of available scholarship opportunities. She encouraged proactive engagement with the application process, emphasizing that scholarships could significantly alleviate the financial burden on families.

The orientation session, expertly chaired by second-year student Leroy Willock-Manners, provided a comprehensive overview of the college’s offerings. Presentations covered academic programs, associate degree pathways, extracurricular activities, and school expectations, ensuring that students had a clear understanding of the academic landscape and the opportunities available to them. The presence of key education officials, including Minister of Education and Youth, the Honourable Senator Troy Liburd; Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Jamir Claxton; Principal Education Officer Ms. Londa Brown; and Principal of the Charlestown Secondary School and Nevis Sixth Form College, Mrs. Nicola Huggins-Parris, further demonstrated the commitment and support of the educational community in nurturing the students’ success. The comprehensive orientation session equipped the students with the tools and knowledge necessary to embark on their tertiary education journey with confidence and purpose.