Marli, St. Patrick_ The 48th annual graduation ceremony of the Mac Donald College took place on July 1, 2016 at the school’s auditorium under the theme: “Filling the darkness with our Light”. Fifty-eight students, twenty-five males and thirty-three females, bade farewell to the institution that had been home to them since September 5, 2011. The ceremony commenced with the processional entry of graduands which was led by Miss Zinzee Noel, the second of two physically challenged students to attend Mac Donald College. After the processional entry of graduands, Rev. Dr. Osbert James did the invocation. Following the invocation was the praise and worship song that became customary in graduation ceremonies in the last decade or so. This year’s praise and worship song was Tasha Cobbs’ “Break Every Chain”. It was done by Miss La Quida Rush and the graduands. So powerful was Miss Rush’ rendition that many members of the audience attested to goose bumps and feeling the presence of God while she sang. This year’s graduation ceremony was chaired by past student Miss Curliann Gludd who is currently a mathematics teacher assistant at the Grenada Christian Academy and the co-owner of a business. Miss Gludd, who attended Mac Donald College from 1992-1997, was a prominent netballer, both locally and regionally having captained the Windward Islands netball team. Her amusing anecdotes of her tenure at Mac Donald College captivated the audience, and her self-authored poem which featured prominent past students of her alma mater, fostered pride in all associated with Mac Donald College and encouraged the graduands to live the motto of the school “Saltando Alta Petimus” (“From the land of the leapers we seek high things”). In her address, the principal, Miss Lorraine De Allie, whose five-year tenure coincided with that of the graduands focused on the outstanding achievements of the school during that time, staffing, curriculum changes and plans for the school year 2016-2017 which include the introduction of music theory and CXC CVQ Agricultural Science. Miss De Allie reminded the graduands that they were prepared to face whether the world of work or higher education, but that “sensational interviews and good resumes were not enough since research of prospective employees were done through community”. Her parting words to the graduands were: “You are forever etched into the history of Mac Donald College. I wish you the best. Make us proud.” Similarly, in her valedictory speech, Miss Andella Hypolite, class valedictorian, urged the students to continue making their school and parents proud. One of the youngest graduands, Miss Hypolite maintained an A average throughout her tenure at Mac Donald College despite being a consistent member of the school’s INTERCOL team and being involved in extra-curricular activities such as Girl Guides and Junior Achievement. In addition, she represented the school in countless academic competitions including the GUT Financial Literacy Quiz in which she and fellow graduate, Deandra Pascall placed second, SGU’s Knowledge Bowl and GRENLEC Inter-secondary Debate Competition. Needless to say, she was awarded most outstanding student in the twelve subjects which she pursued at the most recent CSEC examinations. The second ranked-student was Miss Deandra Pascall who was awarded most outstanding student in four of the ten subjects that she pursued at the CSEC level. Miss Pascall also moved the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the 2016 Mac Donald College graduating class. Several other graduates were recognised for their outstanding performances in academics and extra-curricular activities. These awards were presented by former principal, Mr. James Alexander, M. B. E. and the diplomas were presented by Hon. Clifton Paul and Adam Andall (representative for Hon. Anthony Boatswain). Apart from the graduates, the most outstanding academic performers from forms 1 to 4 were also recognised. These students received an average of at least 85 percent. Receiving the award for form one was Miss Kia Glean, form two, Miss Esronna Charles, form three, Miss Shampha Moses and form four Mr. Peron Paul. It is the fifth year that these awards have been presented and they were sponsored by the Mac Donald College Ex-students Association (New York Chapter). The students not only received a plaque, but each also received 500 dollars. Former student, Miss Jadie Allard, who attained 11 passes in the May/June 2015 CXC CSEC examinations was also recognised by the school for her outstanding academic performance. The feature address was delivered by Miss Gloria Thomas, senior counselor in the Ministry of Education. In keeping with the theme, Miss Thomas likened ‘light’ to something positive and desirable. She identified Jesus as the source of “light” and urged the graduates to not only get to “know the source” but to “stay close” as they would not be able to shine and fill the darkness of their lives. She noted inevitably, “as we create light for ourselves, we create light for others”. Not only did Miss Thomas urge the graduates to embrace the light and share it, but she also encouraged them to be principled in their approach to life and to shun socially unacceptable behaviours since people are depending on them. The young men were reminded to “finish pulling up their pants” and the graduating class that though “they had the choice to choose, they were never free from the consequences of their choices”. Between speeches, the audience got a glimpse of just how talented the 2016 Mac Donald College graduating class is_ from the class’ melodious singing of the theme song, Jenifer Lopez’ “Feel the Light” and school song “We Belong” to a pan solo from Vaughn Tyson and a self-authored poem “School Memories” by Zinzee Noel, an avid writer. It was approximately 1:00 pm when the graduation ceremony culminated with the recessional march of the graduates, but no one would dispute that it was indeed time well spent.