Sophia Training Centre Valedictorian urges peers to inspire others

Mar 25, 2018 News

By Feona Morrison

On Wednesday students of the Sophia Training Centre embarked on a new chapter in their lives, after graduating from the institution’s 31st Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training Programme (YEST) in a variety of disciplines. YEST is a programme that offers youths between the ages of 16 and 25 training in catering, information technology (IT) and office administration (OA), masonry, plumbing and sheet metal, refrigeration and air conditioning and welding and fabrication, among others.
The audacious Lafia Yearwood was named valedictorian. This young woman was among the 127 students who graduated from the various six-month courses which began in September of last year.
Yearwood delivered a moving speech during the graduation ceremony which was held at the National Cultural Centre. Her words of encouragement were well received with loud rounds of applause.
She urged her peers that as they celebrate this achievement, they too, can be an inspiration to others.
Yearwood advised her peers to move forward in life with an open mind reminding them that nothing in life comes easy.
She said, “Success in life is only enjoyed by those who stick to the task, rise above the challenges. Keep on keeping on when others have succumbed to the pressure or fail to continue.”
The valedictorian added, “Class of course 31 take a bow. We have made it and we are here to reap the rewards in the form of our certificates. Every experience gained, friendship garnered and moment savoured will stay with us forever and will certainly help to shape our future.”

Valedictorian: Lafia Yearwood

Yearwood, who was also the best graduating trainee for the catering course, said that the programme tested her creativity since she had to prepare a variety of dishes, in some cases adding her own style.
Quoting Thomas Keller, Yearwood said, “A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.”
According to her, she mostly enjoyed the practical aspect of the course during which she prepared meals under the guidance of Ms. Cheryl Blackett, in the company of her peers.
She expressed, “I will surely miss the time extended to me by Ms. Cheryl Blackett and the other teachers and instructors within the organization.” Yearwood also extended gratitude to her friend, Lois Nurse, who was adjudged runner-up for the catering course. The graduate told her peers that her first perception of being in the school setting again was “somewhat torturing.”
However, she disclosed that through daily experiences she learnt to overcome challenges.
In extending gratitude to the Department of Social Cohesion which has responsibility for youth, culture and sports, Yearwood said, “I extend heartfelt gratitude (to the department) for offering myself and batch mates the golden opportunity of certifying ourselves in various areas of studies. This opportunity will certainly propel us into our careers and open more doors in the future.”
The catering course had 27 participants of which 25 were females. The IT and OA course had a total of 28 graduates of which 24 were females. Jamal Cascius was adjudged the best graduating trainee for this course. Ameka Semple was the runner-up. In relation to the masonry course, Michael Adolphus was the best graduating trainee. His runner up was Joshua Fraser.
Thirteen males participated in this course. Gavin Cliffe was the best graduating student in the plumbing and sheet metal course. Eli Armstrong was runner-up.
The refrigeration and air conditioning course had 20 trainees of which 16 were males.
The best graduating student for this course was Omalie Seymour, while De Andre Sumner emerged as the runner-up. And finally, 19 males completed the welding and fabrication course. Rudolph Mc Calmon was the best graduating trainee. Rayshawn Simon was the runner-up. The students were awarded with trophies, certificates and gift bags. Awards were also given to the most improved trainees and also trainees who excelled in Mathematics, English Language, Entrepreneurship and drama.
Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton ; Programme Coordinator at the Department of Social Protection Ms. Sharon Patterson; Director of Youth, Ms. Melissa Carmichael; Assistant Director of Youth, Ms. Leslyn Boyce; Senior Training Officer at the Sophia Training Centre, Mr. Brian King and other senior personnel were in attendance at the graduation ceremony.