(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel Sr.)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas – Yonell Justilien, a music educator at
Government High School, was named National Teacher of the Year (2015-2017) at a
ceremony Saturday, March 28th at Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island.
A Southwestern District teacher, Justilien was selected one
of four finalists from among 47 teachers, representing 11 districts in New
Providence and the Family Islands. The other finalists included Theresa
Turnquest, Northwestern District; Keniqua Burrows, Exuma District; and Ramona
Wells, Southeastern District.
Teachers, administrators, senior government officials, friends,
and family packed the Atlantis Theatre in support of the educators. The Hon.
Jerome Fitzgerald, Minister of Education, Science and Technology and Donella
Bodie, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology
were among the officials who joined in the celebrations. The theme for the 11th
year of the National Teacher of the Year Awards was “Celebrating Quality
Teachers Recognizing Pathways of Excellence”.
Entertainment for the event was provided by the Men and Boys
Choir of C.V. Bethel Senior High School and Albury Sayles Primary School Choir,
a video presentation and music by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band.
In his remarks, Minister Fitzgerald described teaching as a
“calling” that does not offer much “glamour” or “public recognition” for the
hard work and sacrifice required to give students a chance to succeed.
He noted and expressed gratitude to the teachers for
demonstrating the four qualities of good character, development of skills to
become generalists or specialists, genuine care for their students and concern
about the future of The Bahamas and its place in the region and the world.
“You are among those educators who are grooming and
nurturing our youth to become ambassadors of excellence. You are equipping them
through best practices and cutting-edge methods,” he said.
“You are alerting our students to the fact that they must
embrace quality education for the equitable development of our country. You are
causing them to pursue their passionate performance as they follow proven
pathways that will lead a life of positive productivity. You are leading by
your outstanding example for being such great patriots.”
He told the Teachers of the Year that they are in a place
where they can inspire excellence in the lives of their students and
colleagues. “In the noble profession of teaching that you have chosen as your
life’s career, you are called to be role models, achieve mastery and be
accountable. Continue to make your valuable contributions to the development of
this country.”
Mr. Fitzgerald said the honourees have proven that they are
“quality” teachers who are well-deserving of the accolades they have received
and are most worthy to be celebrated.
