By Desiree Joseph

Yesterday marked the beginning of a life-long journey for the 2012 graduating class of Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy (TBA).

The 47 graduates sat attentively as their commencement speaker, Howard Johnson, former candidate for the Free National Movement (FNM) in the constituency of Central and South Eleuthera gave them words of encouragement.

"I wish to encourage all of you to empower yourselves to succeed as you leave secondary education and move on to tertiary or even into the workforce," he said.

Johnson explained that the parents of the graduates should be extremely proud and excited, knowing that all of their hard work, dedication and commitment to their children had undoubtedly paid off.

"As you watch your child or family member walk across that stage today, remember that they are about to enter another chapter of their lives, one that will indeed need that same amount of unwavering support you've given them thus far" he added.

Johnson then told them that he too was very excited for them, having already been in their shoes, "I graduated twice from high school, so I know you are looking forward to getting out into the world and it's going to be an exciting journey, however it is just the beginning, it is not the end."

At the end of his speech, Johnson then reminded the graduates that they are now adults and that they have major decisions to make, decisions that are going to impact and affect the rest of their lives so they must strive to make the right ones.

Angenika Curtis, Head Girl and Valedictorian for the TBA Class of 2012 took the stage and began reminiscing with her fellow graduates. She told them to sit down and think about their future goals and then make them higher.

"Throughout your journey, no matter where life may take you, you must first humble yourselves and always remember where you came from," she said.

Cutis also urged the graduates to choose careers that were needed in The Bahamas and she emphasized to the crowd of parents and well-wishers that the future of our beloved nation is indeed in good hands.

Geneva Rutherford, representative from the Port Authority along with Pastor Alpheus Woodside and Norris Bain, Principal of TBA presented Angenika with the Top Achiever Scholarship Award of $4,000, which goes towards her tuition fees at the prestigious Kettering University. She plans to study Electrical Engineering.