By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterOF THE 140 students who graduated from the Denham Town High School in Kingston Western on Thursday, Andre' Lawrence was the only one hopping on a crutch, but he wore the broadest smile.
And there was much to smile about as, according to principal, Clover Thompson the last academic year has seen "great success."
During the year, the school's rugby team of which Andre' is a member, was named the most outstanding in the island and there were creditable performances in several academic areas.
PASSES
At the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) level, the school attained 88 per cent passes in Principles of Business, 100 per cent passes in Office Procedures, 81 per cent passes in Information Technology and 83 per cent passes in Food and Nutrition. However, only 14 per cent passes were realised in Mathematics.
"The year under review has seen many problems in schools of different geographic locations," said Mrs. Thompson adding that, "students in all types of schools are getting out of control and this is taking much out of teachers and much more out of administrators."
As a result of violence in the Denham Town area, she said the school's afternoon shift was abandoned and that several students had left the institution. Now, the school has a population of just over 600 students and an over-staffed teaching body (a ratio of 12 students to one teacher).
Noting that it was "useless" for principals to make untruthful reports, Mrs. Thompson said that several teachers and students repeatedly arrived late for school.
But, despite the odds, valedictorian Collette Campbell said there were reasons to celebrate, as the institution had registered achievements in many areas. However, she said was saddened by the fact that during the year, the school lost three of its students by violent means, one of whom would have graduated on Thursday.
PLANS
Member of Parliament for Kingston Western and Opposition Leader, Edward Seaga, was of the view that students from inner-city communities would be much more proficient, if better facilities were provided for them. Mr. Seaga also spoke of plans to propose to the Government to re-configure the remand centre in Denham Town to accommodate the Denham Town High School.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Glenda Simms, the Executive Director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs, stressed the importance of self-esteem and implored students to appreciate themselves and make a commitment to earning honestly for further personal development.
