RHONDOR DOWLAT Wednesday, August 9 2006

“ONWARD with excellence” — this was the theme in this year’s historic event in the academic life of the Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (MMPHS). The school, which is located in Mc Bean Village, Couva, first began its operation five years ago and this year, held its first graduation ceremony. The school’s founders are Dr Winston and Angela Cuffie.

Some 80 students graduated recently — most of them with honours. One of the outstanding students was Candel Cuffie who copped the award for Most Outstanding Academic Overall Student Award.

Addressing the graduates was Gillian Andrews who is a motivational coach, business consultant and a minister of the gospel.

Defining the term “excel” for the students, she said that it was Latin and came from two words “ex” which meant to come out of and “cel” which meant to rise.

“Everyone of us especially you all (the students) must excel. Come out of your present state and rise to the top of the pyramid,” Andrews said.

Andrews told the students that things which may have happened to them in the past or are taking place presently should not disqualify them from excelling in the future. Giving them some pointers in excelling, she added, “Embrace faith in God; Practise to excel everyday; A positive decision has to be taken which also means that humility be recognised and one must take the perfect way in doing and taking initiatives.”

Candel, who delivered the valedictory speech urged her fellow schoolmates to have purpose and destiny.

“Life is a journey designed by the Creator with purposeful destiny. Purpose and Destiny, two of the core elements that comprise the essence and substance of life, the invaluable commodity on this unique journey.”

Also addressing the graduates was Soca Warrior midfielder Silvio Spann who told the students of the importance of putting God first in their respective lives. “When you put God first you can achieve anything that you want to achieve in life.

Most importantly, however, is that you live a life to please God, otherwise He can take away all your blessings and success,” Spann said.

Principal Joy Griffith delivered the principal’s report and the graduates were entertained by a pan rendition by Form Three Faith, a cultural dance from a Fourth Form student and a song “A Call to Excellence” by Winsie Ann Cuffie.