 The Castries Comprehensive Secondary School is looking to March 2024, with great enthusiasm, as the school will celebrate its 50th year since being donated by the Canadian government. With just one year away, the institution wants to celebrate in grand style, with a year-long list of activities to mark the milestone. Last week, the CCSS, as it is popularly known, gathered to reward students for their outstanding performance academically and at extracurricular activities. Principal of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary, Marba Daniel, said the award ceremony conceptualised some 32 years ago, and shows students are always working at their very best at the school and beyond. Because our mandate as Cardinals is to persevere together, and so today captures the vision, the inspiration and the determination of all those dedicated to excellence, whether today or for the past years. Ms. Daniel said the chosen theme, du va, sum, a journey to 50 and beyond, is timely and said the institution is looking forward to celebrating the entire year towards 50. So until the big 50, let us all continue to soar, let us all continue to be the source of renewal and rededication for all as we forge towards excellence. And for those who are left behind struggling, but intentionally working towards excellence, may you gain increased momentum as the terms go by. Education Minister Hon. Sean Edward, who addressed the student body, advised that students ensure that their experience in school is more than books, notes and examinations. The minister singled out the school's head prefect, Nahim Filbert, for his outstanding work and leadership, saying that he stands as an example for young men of his age to emulate. Here's an example of a young man who is focused, he works hard, he respects authority, and he continues to be an example and a good ambassador for the Casteries Comprehensive Secondary School. Students, you are at a great educational institution, and I'm not saying this because it is convenient this morning, the record, the history and the legacy of the Casteries Comprehensive Secondary School is there for all to see, and nobody can debate or question the legacy of the school. Pastor Bernie Pierre, a former student of the Casteries Comprehensive, delivered the feature address. Pastor Pierre, who has a financial background, is from the 1996 graduating class of the school. The saying is true, united with stand, divided with fall. Take every opportunity that you get to work on your success. Even though things don't seem to be working in your favor, put your hands in the hands of God. Put your hands in the hands of your teachers, and focus on growing and succeeding. Only recently, the Casteries Comprehensive engaged its alumni in an activity dubbed Roll Call, which brought scores of former students together at the school in uniform for an event of celebration and reflection. From the Communications Unit of the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, I am Chris Satney, reporting.