It was a bittersweet evening for the graduating class of the Bishop Anstey Trinity College East (BATCE) sixth-form school as students brought the curtains down on their time at the Trincity school.
Wearing beautiful gowns and smart suits in varying styles and colours, the class of 2023 made their entrance into the Hyatt Regency's Port of Spain ballroom on Tuesday evening, their nostalgia matching their eagerness to embark on the new journey before them.
[caption id="attachment_1025568" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BATCE sixth form students. - Anisto Alves[/caption]
The thrill of seeing each other in a stress-free, formal setting, the warm embraces, and the excitement of documenting their memories at the photo booths were indications of the bonds formed by these teenagers during their time at BATCE – bonds that, in some cases, could last a lifetime.
“Graduating makes me feel a bit sad,” Emmanuel Clement told Newsday. “Because of the covid19 pandemic we only got to spend one year in-person with these wonderful teachers. We would have liked to spend a little more time with them, but I guess we all have to move on.”
But he was determined to make that last evening count.
[caption id="attachment_1025557" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dante Amour, left, Johann Baynes, Keyonn Browne, Ayoka Jack and Faith Gomez, centre, pose for a group shot. - Anisto Alves[/caption]
“Tonight, I plan to enjoy myself with my friends as much as possible, without going overboard of course.”
Clement recalled his entry into sixth form, describing it as “nerve-racking” because he knew the school had very high standards, academic and otherwise. But even with the jitters he said he was able to easily adapt to the online format because the staff made it engaging.
“I think it’s because of the efforts the teachers put in that kept us interested. Even when we came back out in upper six, it was strange and felt like we had to rebuild the school’s culture. Fortunately our teachers, parents and the community were there to support us.”
But principal Shinelly James insists that the students’ ability to navigate their way through their unprecedented circumstances was mainly due to their own resilience and innovation, and that contributed to their being able to quickly find their footing when they returned to in-person school.
[caption id="attachment_1025564" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Graduates of Bishop Anstey Trinity College East sixth form were presented with unconventional awards at their graduation dinner and ball, on July 11. - Anisto Alves[/caption]
“On their return to physical school, they took advantage of every opportunity to maximise their sixth form experience through their academic classes, school clubs, sporting activities and leadership opportunities."
She said it was also the driving force that made them determined to make their final evening as BATCE students such a memorable occasion.
“This graduation was significant, as they were not able to experience the key milestone, form five graduation, as a re
