New Faces, Fresh Start at Nevis Sixth Form College

The new academic year kicked off with energy and expectation as 52 students stepped through the gates of Nevis Sixth Form College on Wednesday, ready to begin their tertiary journey. They joined 59 returning Year Two students, filling classrooms with fresh ambition and plenty of nerves.

Deputy Principal Mrs Kerilyn David set the tone at orientation, describing the college as “a community built on a foundation of excellence, support and friendship.” She encouraged students to embrace the challenge, reminding them they hold the power to shape their own story.

Motivational speaker Shalicia Glassford kept spirits high, telling the new cohort that Sixth Form is more than survival, it is about thriving, finding purpose and making every moment count.

Education leaders, including Minister of Education and Youth Senator Troy Liburd, Permanent Secretary Zahnela Claxton, Assistant Secretary Jamir Claxton and Principal Education Officer Londa Brown, were all in attendance. Ms Claxton reminded students that the coming two years are about more than academics. She urged them to focus on leadership, responsibility and discipline, while also making use of scholarship opportunities to ease financial pressures on their families.

The opening ceremony, chaired by Year Two student Leroy Willock-Manners, featured presentations on programmes, extracurriculars and expectations for the year ahead.

With encouragement from staff, speakers and their peers, the 52 newcomers now stand at the start of an important chapter. As one student whispered walking out of orientation: “It’s our turn now.”