The NCC Education Department in collaboration with the St Croix SDA school hosted its biennial education convention April 25-28, 2019. Under the theme, Children UnderConstruction – Building For Eternity, the convention featured a number of activities.
The highly anticipated and well-publicized event commenced on Thursday, April 25, with a musical, dubbed The Old Testament Fast Forward. This concert showcased the musical prowess of both elementary and high school students as they presented stories from the Old Testament in drama and song, to a most appreciative audience.
A Consecration Service on Friday, April 26 highlighted the role of the home, school and church in the character development of our children. Students, teachers, and supporting personnel were presented with construction vests which provided a visible display of the weekend’s theme and a symbol that God is still working on our children.
Sabbath April 27, was inarguably a ‘high day in Israel’ as constituent churches converged at the Central SDA Church for Sabbath celebrations. It was heart-warming to see students, teachers, conference officials, district pastors and supporting personnel decked in their construction vests thus identifying with the weekend’s program. The service which was marked by excitement, praise, drama and a soul-stirring sermon, no doubt left lasting impressions on the packed congregation that was present to share in the celebrations.
Pastor Sylvester Williams, guest speaker for the convention, highlighted the benefits of a SDA Education. He noted, “Parents, you must start right, in order to end right. Your child’s character must be built on the foundation – Jesus Christ. SDA Education connects children to Jesus, the Master Builder.” He further argued, “If children have the best qualifications in the world and do not have integrity or Jesus, it would profit them nothing.”
Sabbath afternoon saw the education department hosting a Celebration of Praise and a Writers’ Parade. Tributes in praise, song and prayer were rendered to God for His protection during the storms of 2017, and His guidance during the recovery process. The department recognized the contribution of 22 student authors from the St Croix SDA School, who contributed to its latest book, God in the Storms: Tales from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Decked in red apparel, the students proudly shared excerpts from their literary pieces with the audience. In addition, each student was awarded a medal and a certificate of participation.
The weekend culminated with a Fun Day and Fund-raiser at the school grounds. Students and adults participated in a variety of games and patrons had the opportunity to sample delicacies from the various congregations, each of which had a booth. Congratulations to the Central SDA Church for emerging the winner of the sporting activities and thus receiving the coveted trophy.
President of the NCC, Pastor Desmond James, who also serves as the board Chair, noted, “This was a convention with a difference. We took it to another level, which is indicative of proper planning and seamless execution by the various stakeholders.” He continued, “There are many aspects of our school which are outstanding but we admit that there are other areas which need improvement and we’re working on them. Give us a chance. The quality of this weekend’s program is an indication of the direction in which the school is headed.”
School Principal, Mr Johnston Southwell, observed, “This weekend’s success is the result of planning and strategizing. We give God thanks for His blessings and offer gratitude to the constituents for their support.”
Education Director, Mrs Gerene Joseph, who conceptualized the weekend’s program, posited, “I’m satisfied with the quality of the various programs and activities this weekend. I am also encouraged by the overwhelming support of members of the constituency. It was a team effort and I highly commend the NCC Administrators, the district pastors, education secretaries, staff, and parents for their commitment to the convention and to the St Croix SDA School.”
The St Croix SDA School is one of the five schools of the North Caribbean Conference. The school is committed to preparing students for this life and the life to come as students and teachers continually strive for excellence.