Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) hosted the graduation ceremony for the school’s 10th graduating class on June 10, 2015 in the Independence Ballroom at the Meliá Nassau Beach.
The Commencement Address was given by Sen. the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson. Senator Gibson and her husband, Maxwell Gibson, are both past Board of Directors and both her daughters, Demetra and Zoe attended the school.
The senator was selected as the guest speaker because she was instrumental, along with Ralph Seligman, in the legal negotiations to secure the school’s future during its transitional period in the 1990’s. These successful negotiations, together with the vision, generous financial support and passion of The Dingman and Dauphinot families, preserved the future of LCIS. In her remarks, Senator Gibson reminded the audience of the community effort that developed the school. “Leaders often have to stand alone,” she said. “Spread your wings and with the support of your family and friends and all of us…soar!” She encouraged the new graduates to never stop learning, stay in close contact with their parents, stretch themselves and pursue excellence every day.
The Class Address was delivered by this year’s Co-Valedictorians, Luigi Charles and Lara Cristiano. It offered both a poignant and humorous look into the experiences of the Class of 2015. The Valedictorians were introduced by the very first LCIS Valedictorian, Elena Hutchenson ‘06.
For the fourth year in a row LCIS acknowledged the members of the graduating class who have attended LCIS for all of their academic lives, affectionately and respectfully known as “Lyford Lyfers.” This year’s newly inducted “Lyfers” were Sean Blyden and Patrick Colle. Both were presented with a special commemorative award by Mrs Isadora Blyden, Head of Elementary at LCIS.
“This graduating class, I know, will stay true to themselves— confident, hard-working individuals who love learning and who pursue goals with a passion that is inspiring. This is how you will be remembered at LCIS. Please remember that every failure is one step toward success. So be a risk-taker. Stay curious. Stay informed. Be open to different perspectives. Act to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Give thoughtful consideration to your own development….and always strive for balance. Celebrate your successes and keep on laughing with that joy of life we have all witnessed so often in your hearts,” said LCIS Principal, Stacey Bobo, in her address to the graduates.
Graduates of the Class of 2015 represent 13 different nationalities. “A huge part of our school experience is the international nature of our student body,” said Ms Bobo. “ LCIS students learn about different cultures not only from the curriculum but also from the person they sit next to in class.”
The Class of 2015 is:
LCIS Co-Valedictorian 2015, Luigi Charles
During his time at LCIS, Luigi was Student Council treasurer, Interact treasurer and Head Boy. He was was a member of the basketball team and represented the school in MUN. He will major in Mathematics with a concentration in Finance at Columbia University, USA.
LCIS Co-Valedictorian 2015, Lara Cristiano
Lara was a member of the volleyball team and co-founded the co-curricular class “Let’s Get Crafty.” She was a member of International Project Uganda and participated in MUN. She will major in Psychology at the University of Bath, England.
LCIS Salutatorian 2015, Teodoro DeGiuli
Teodoro was a co-leader of the Minecraft Club and assistant coach for soccer. He is a green belt in taekwondo. Teodoro will major in Business Administration at ESSEC Business School, France.
Amber Aranha co-founded the cheerleading team and was captain of Clifton House. She was a coordinator of the enrichment and service programs at Gambier Primary and Stephen Dillet. She will major in Business at the University of San Francisco, USA.
Vanessa Beschle was a member of the enrichment and service programs at Gambier Primary and Stephen Dillet. Vanessa volunteered at the Bahamas Humane Society and was treasurer of the Student Council. She will be beginning a one-year internship in Business in Germany in the fall.
Sean Blyden was captain of Clifton House and a Student Council representative for 3 years. Sean created the Minecraft Club, the Digital Music Club and was a leader of the Interactive Whiteboard Project and a member of the basketball team. He will major in Computer Engineering at The University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Patrick Colle was captain of Lightbourne House and a member of the rowing team. Patrick was a leader of the Interactive Whiteboard Project and secretary of Student Council. He will major in Business and Management at the University of Guelph, Canada.
Tyler Mattio co-founded the cheerleading team and was a coordinator of the Gambier Enrichment Program. Tyler was a member of the volleyball and soccer teams. She served as a class representative in Student Council. Tyler will major in Biosciences at the University of Sussex, England.
Rasheed Pickstock won the Governor’s Choice Award at the Central Bank art competition. He was a three-time MUN delegate, swim and volleyball team member, Clifton House captain and Interact member. He is a volunteer coral restoration diver for the Nature Conservancy. He will major in Architecture and Fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design, USA.
Claire Pico was a Bilingual IB student and has won the Council of International Schools (CIS) International Student Award. She was a coordinator of the Gambier Enrichment Program and has participated in MUN. She was captain of the rugby team and a member of the volleyball team. She will major in Business Administration at the ESSEC Business School, France.
Alyssa Reid was the treasurer of Student Council, secretary of Interact Club, captain of Simms House and co-founder of the co-curriculars “Let’s Get Crafty” and “Batters Up.” She was part of International Project Uganda, participated in MUN and was a member of the volleyball and swim teams. She will be majoring in Business and Human Resource Management at the University of Brighton, England.
Thema Saunders was a member of the Student Council, president and secretary of Interact, captain of Lightbourne House and co-founder of the co-curricular “Batters Up.” She participated in MUN, on the volleyball team, was a competitive golfer, peer mentor, tutor, and head of the photography club. She will be studying at Northeastern University, USA.
Chad Strachan was a member of the Interact Club and the Student Council. He was captain of Simms House, a member of the basketball team and International Project Uganda. Chad will major in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Guelph, Canada.
Sean-Ryan Thomas was a member of the steel drum band and participated in Leadership in Action at Harvard University and The Global Young Leaders Conference in Austria, The Czech Republic, and Germany. He was an assistant coach for ELC football. He will major in Biology at the University of Kentucky, USA.
Congratulations to the 2015 Graduating Class on their accomplishments.
