Many graduates will not be able to march down the aisle to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This was the case of Standard Six students of The Island Academy (TIA) in San Pedro Town, who became the first school to hold its online graduation ceremony via the Zoom app, on Thursday, May 28th. The following day, the graduating class of nine were each visited at their home by members of TIA, who surprised them with their diplomas and academic awards.
Speeches and congratulatory messages were delivered on Zoom on Thursday, but unbeknownst to the graduates, on Friday, May 29th a golf cart parade consisting of teachers and members of the school’s administration headed their way. The contingency visited various homes to surprise their graduates with their hard-earned certificates and awards. Lady Dixie Bowen, founder of TIA, joined the joyous parade, and along with Standard Six teacher Scott Hilliard, and other staff, delivered graduation certificates and awards.
The areas visited included Mosquito Coast, DFC, San Pablo, and downtown San Pedro. Lady Bowen and the TIA staff rejoiced at every stop, wishing their students the very best. Although the usual traditional celebratory occasion was not possible this time, the graduates all agreed that it was an unforgettable experience.
The 2020 graduating class of TIA includes Kerry Smith, Finley Hek, Joseph Curtis, Kamric Black, Davin Wolfe, Alexandra Recinos, Gabriel Colon, Jaiton Claasen and Timothé  Marandon.
Student Awards include:
Kerry Smith: Excellence in Mathematics, Excellence in Language Arts, Excellence in Science, Excellence in Social Studies, Excellence in Health, Art Award, and Sir Barry’s Bowen Principal’s Cup. Kerry also received the Overall Academic Award.
Kamric Black:Â Citizenship Award and PE Award
Alexandra Recinos:Â Creativity, PE, and Spanish Award
Finley Hek:Â Most Improved Award (photo unavailable)
Gabriel Colon: Art Award
Davin Wolfe: Attendance Award
Joseph Curtis: Young Author Award (photo unavailable)
The San Pedro Sun joins the entire community in wishing the TIA 2020 graduates all the best in their future endeavours. Congratulations!
