School education is important, no one can deny it! Many view it as tidious, some frustrating,
and others heartbreaking. The Walls of Aquinas College have watched us mature and flourish despite
our many trials and tribulations. We soon found out that these experiences were to prepare us for the next step.
When we entered 7th grade, our hearts beat with excitement and terror. The experience was one many of us were not
used to. Faced with the scary task of making new friends, adapting study schedules and always aiming to please
those around us. These decisions which contributed to our confidence and urge to preserver. Many made and lost friends,
truly getting a taste of what high school life would feel like.
Our metamorphosis throughout the years was profound as we all experienced changes in our attitudes, struggled to
maintain our grades but preserved none the less. Through the losses and gains we gained knowledge and experience
that have no doubt helped in our development.
As we enter this final chapter, this last matriculation from high school to the real world, we are all faced
with a mix of emotions. Some are more motivated then they have ever been, others are afraid of failure, but
everyone feels stressed during some point in this process. Our aim; to study hard to create a future for
ourselves and make it out on top have most times left us restless and wary. Sometimes it can feel like we
are going down the wrong path, however,graduation was a hurdle we expected to have to jump.
All in all, our high school journey at Aquinas has not only provided with a plethora of opportunities
but has provided intangible benefits such as a strong spiritual foundation, a sense of self-awareness
and acted as the growing grounds for friendships we hope to be life-long.
by: Aretha McDonald (HEAD GIRL- Class of 2019)
Dear Graduates of the Class of 2019!
I extend warm congratulations to you on the occasion on your graduation
and the completion of your studies at Aquinas College. I trust that the
past six years have been enjoyable, enlightening and challenging for you.
Your class came to Aquinas College during a time when the dissemination of
information and the advances in technology are moving at incredible speed.
Some note that we are in a time of information overload. However proper use
of information and technology can provide many opportunities. A classic case
of this is the installation of the nephelometer on your campus which is used
to determine the air quality of the area. A weather station is also the
feature of your campus. This fact has brought your school and local professionals
together and allowed a number of eager students to be exposed to the dynamic career
in meteorology. Such is the impact of technology and information.
Your high school experience has been a well-rounded one, and your theme:
“Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” urges you to do something meaningful in your life.
Aquinas College has provided you a very solid educational foundation, so allow your
theme to guide your future as it has your past.
I also wish to extend sincere congratulations on this occasion to the Administrators,
Faculty and Staff, on this 9th Commencement Exercises at the Gladstone Road campus of
Aquinas College. Time goes by quickly. Your achievements thus far are well-documented
and well-received on campus, in the community and abroad. I wish you continued success.
Congratulations, once again to you Class of 2019. May God bless you and your future endeavors.
It is always a pleasure to address the graduating class of this great institution.
I implore you to embrace the future, dream big and work hard. Just remember to keep your eyes
focused on the Lord and allow Him to lead you to a life of service. Be humble enough to realize
that you still have a lot to learn. Always be accountable and to take responsibility for your actions.
Surround yourself with individuals who will be positive influences but, trust yourself to create
your own destiny, before someone else does. Set a plan for yourself, because “if you fail to plan,
you plan to fail.”
On behalf of the members of the Aquinas College Development Committee, I congratulate you and wish
you every success in the future. Remember to keep Christ at the center of your lives and maintain
the highest characters of goodness, discipline and knowledge in homage to your Alma Mater.
God Bless each and every one of you.
It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to extend my congratulations to you on the successful completion of your
formation at Aquinas College.
"Many Parts, One Body" - These words taken from 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31 formed formed the basis of our theme
for CBOE schools throughout The Bahamas for the past three years. The theme was chosen to highlight the uniqueness
of each school within our system. It also emphasises the value of every member of our school community and demonstrates
how each individual, using the gifts God has given, contributes to the rich legacy of Catholic Education
in the Bahamas.
As you graduate from high school and transition to the next phase of your life, I encourage you to
stay connected to the foundation that got you this far: parents, friends, teachers and your school.
During tough times they will help you remember where you came from.
New opportunities you so you must prepare yourself to embrace them by using your God-given gifts and
talents! To whom much is given, much is expected. Serve as a role model for your peers and continue to
grow in the understanding that regardless of race, social status or physical structure , you are valued
member of the Body of Christ who must work with others for the common good of all.
Again, I congratulate you on your accomplishments and thank you for enriching our school system
with your exceptional and unique talents.
Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.
God bless you always!
“Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” This powerful 2019 Catholic Schools theme
embraces and solidifies the core values of Catholic education! You are indeed privileged
as your educational journey in Aquinas College not only introduced you to a holistic approach
to teaching; but more importantly, immersed you in a Catholic culture which equipped you with
the necessary tools to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and enriched
citizens in our global communities.
As a school community where learning is priority and Excellence is our Habit, we have much to
celebrate. This year 99 % of you will graduate with five or more BGCSE. You have been active
participants in education. Many of you have availed your selves of the opportunities to
participate in debate, speech, essay, art, science, video, sports and music competitions.
Many in this class have accepted the academic challenge of advanced classes and will sit the
SAT 11 Math, Spanish, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Others of you will sit AP English,
AP Calculus, AP Art Studio 2D Drawing and for the first time AP Art Studio 3D Craft.
Seniors you have been taught what it means to serve others. Every member of your class has
completed twenty-five hours of community service at our various Catholic parishes and schools.
You have graciously rendered assistance with the preparation and or distribution of food in
their soup kitchen or at their annual fair and steak out. In addition, many of you are members
of service organizations, such as UNESCO- Eco Club, Red Cross, Key Club and Zonta Club.
You have also made generous and much needed contributions to the Red Cross, Cancer Society,
The Sister Sister Cancer Group, The Robert Gilmore School for the Blind, The AIDS Camp,
Our Lady’s and St. Joseph’s Soup Kitchens. I thank you for giving your time and talent.
Your unselfish gesture is a realistic expression of servant leadership. To your joy, you
will discover that in all these ways and more, God used you to deposit an eternal measure
of His love into many needy hearts.
In order to lead one must be willing to serve. I take this opportunity to commend our student
leaders who led by example and made their presence felt. Thank you to Aretha McDonald,
Azia McKenzie, Micah McIntosh and Trevon Smith for being leaders of this dynamic student
body and for being good servant leaders. I also acknowledge Koen Dean, Trevon Smith,
Jamaal Johnson, Jerome Scott and Janelle Freckleton for seeing the need and introducing the
following innovative clubs on campus this academic year: the Environmental Recycling
“Cans for Kids” Club, the Junior arm of the Mentoring Program to assist 7th grade boys
to adjust better in high school and The Air Quality/Weather Club.
Success is the true reward of dedication, hard work and determination. You have
indeed succeeded! Your graduating class is academically sound as 99% will graduate
with two diplomas: a diploma from Aquinas College having earned a cumulative
GPA of 2.3 and above and 100% of you will receive the Ministry of Education’s
National Diploma. Success is indeed yours are as 95% of you have been accepted to
and will attend the University of the Bahamas or colleges/universities in the
United States and Canada. Scholarship funding has also been secured by 80% of the
members in this class.
Class of 2019, you have now come to the end of your Catholic school sojourn at
Aquinas College. Your enriched educational experience has inculcated Goodness,
Discipline and Knowledge into your very being. With “Veritas” as your mantra,
I encourage you to venture forth on your new journey embodied with the eight
characteristics of a Catholic School Graduate. Finally, I beseech you to remain
lifelong learners, servant leaders, faith- filled disciples and positive global citizens.
We love you and may God continue to bless, guide and protect you.
Before you ever came into being, God called your name. He formed you with love and intricately
designed part of who you would become. You truly are made "in an amazing and wonderful way".
Psalm 139:14
Your journey on this path is not by coincidence. You are here because God looked out over all
of history and chose you for a particular time and purpose. You could have entered the world
a hundred years ago or a thousand years from now.
You are in this generation, this time, and there will never be another you or another
opportunity to do what only you are chosen to complete. So go out there in boldness knowing
that you do not have to be like anyone else. You do not have to do what any other person
has done. You are chosen for ONE life — YOURS.
As you graduate today, you close the doors to the past, open doors to the future,
take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in your life.
With every book that we open, we embark on an adventure with many highs and lows.
Sometimes the scenes bring us joy, happiness, peace of mind and other times it causes
to pause and reflect on the lessons we may have learned from reading the story.
As you close this book which signifies the end of your high school
journey, take a moment to express gratitude to almighty God, your
parents, teachers, and friends who made many sacrifices so that you could be here today.
Our time as a family has come to and end, but always remember that you will
meet new family members as you continue your life’s journey, treat each one
with respect as you demonstrate the teachings of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.
Strive always to “Learn, Lead, Serve and Succeed”, knowing that what lies behind you
and what lies ahead of you are small matters compared to what lies within you.
As you approach the end of your high school journey, take some time to sift through the
years and hold onto the positive experiences, relationships and situations you have had
that have allowed you to earn this point in your life. Stand tall, be proud and move in
an affirming, peaceful, productive direction.
I value each one of you in your own special way and have so enjoyed the time,
opportunities and memories we have shared. I am thankful for the uniqueness
that each of you make up as a part of a larger mass—the class of 2019.
V.I.B.E.S (versatile, intelligent, benevolent, educated, scholars!)
Challenge yourself, enjoy life, be good to yourself and others; but most of all follow your dreams.
I wish for each of you a lifetime of laughter, peace, happiness and successes.
| Tahjae aka Salt Life | Rashantia aka Shante’ | |
| Ethan aka Emoney | Arayah aka Rayadel | |
| Danielle aka Dani | D’Vantae aka Vantae | |
| Robenskey aka Roby | Dehavilla aka ‘LaLa’ | |
| Geneal aka Neal | Demetria aka Metria | |
| Jamaal aka NBA Short Boy | Romando aka Mando | |
| Marcellas aka iMAC | Alonzo aka Paper Boy | |
| Tristan aka Triss Beast Boy | Phillip aka Philly | |
| Myriah aka Riah | Tamina aka Minnie | |
| David aka WAVE | Joshua aka 1K | |
| Chaz aka Fargo Doic | Megan aka Megz |