West St. George Secondary School (WSGSS) celebrated its 20th anniversary on Monday under the theme “A Rare Torch Shining from the West”.
The school was originally conceived as a remedial school for students struggling in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) but has become a testament to dedication and hard work, the Agency for Public Information said in a release.
Speaking at the celebration, MP for West St. George and Minister of Education, Curtis King acknowledged the challenges faced in the school’s early years.
King commended the school’s first principal, Alinda Hypolite (2004-2008) and the dedicated staff for their instrumental role in achieving a remarkable 59.4% pass rate in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams by 2009.
This accomplishment ranked the school 11 out of 22 secondary schools in St. Vincent.
In 2024, the school achieved a pass rate of 63.68%.
King also highlighted the school’s commitment to holistic education, showcasing their successful agriculture and poultry programmes. He congratulated the staff and students on this significant milestone and encouraged them to continue nurturing the future generation.
Meanwhile, Hypolite reminisced about the school’s unique beginnings, with a small staff and students who faced significant learning challenges.
She acknowledged that many students struggled with basic reading skills, adding that she implemented a strong focus on the English language and spelling.
Hypolite expressed her pride in witnessing the school’s consistent improvement in CXC performance over the years.
She encouraged the current staff and students to persevere through challenges and strive for excellence.
The ceremony recognised individuals who played a pivotal role in the school’s development over the past 20 years.
The event featured lively entertainment from students showcasing their musical and dance talents.
Former students also shared their experiences and achievements, reminding everyone of the transformative power of education.
Congratulations it really gives a warm feeling to see such excellent reporting about this achievement.