Administrators and departmental directors from the NCC, members of the clergy, government officials, teachers, parents, students and well-wishers comprised the august audience who were present to witness the book-launch.
Dr. Magdalene Tobias, one of the endorsers of the book, in her congratulatory remarks, noted that, “Of all the academic tasks, writing is the most difficult. You have to come up with the idea and put it in writing. You have to draw on skills such as language structure, in order that the readers would enjoy reading what you write. For students to produce this quality of work, they have to be commended.”
Present at the book launch was Senator “Positive” Terrence A. Nelson, Minority Leader of the 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Senator Nelson posited that publishing is important. It is taking the word and putting it on paper to pass on to generations. He admonished the students: “Let this be the catalyst to take you into the future. You are a great example for other schools to follow.”
In conveying congratulatory remarks, Dr. Hamil Tobias, principal, complimented the students and teachers for a job well done. He noted that writing has become a “way of life” at the school, since several students have written and published books, previously.
Pastor Silton Browne, President of the NCC, and the one who wrote the foreword of the book, delivered the Feature Address at the launch. He lauded the vision of the education director in conceiving the project and her commitment to seeing it to fruition. The students came in for high praises from the president, as well, as he voiced the significant impact that the book has had on him. He noted that, “This compilation reflects more than their writing well and composing beautiful poetry – we get insights into the impact of parents and teachers on these young people.”
