Gladstone Road, Nassau, Bahamas, Tel. No. +1-242-361-5534, +1...

Page The Academia ● Volume 7, Issue 1 ● ac.cec.edu.bs

Newsletter Date

August - September 2019

Gladstone Road, Nassau, Bahamas, Tel. No. +1-242-361-5534, +1-242-361-5574

FAX +1-242-3612209, P.O. Box N-7540 Volume 7, Issue 1 Series of 2019-2020

Aquinas College’s 10th Year Anniversary

Gladstone Road Location October 15, 2019

PROGRESS REPORT CARD

DISTRIBUTION October 24, 2019

MIDTERM BREAK October 25 - 28, 2019

ALL SAINTS DAY November 1, 2019

BREAST CANCER PINK T-SHIRT DAY & STEP SHOW

November 1, 2019

130th Anniversary of Catholic Education in The

Bahamas Founders’ Day Assembly

November 4, 2019

Awards Day

November 4, 2019

Principal’s Message My Dear Aquinas College Family and Friends,

Our God is awesome! On September 1, 2019, our country was

devastated by the ferocious wrath of Hurricane Dorian, which

severely impacted and damaged our north-western islands of Abaco

and Grand Bahama. In the aftermath, we are assured that God is in

control and that He will bring The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

through these trying and difficult times, as we work together to

rebuild lives and communities. In our humble effort of giving support, we have joined

forces to assist our brothers and sisters from Abaco and Grand Bahama by enrolling

more than 80 students at Aquinas College. It is truly an honour to have them as the

newest members of the Aquinas College Family.

We warmly welcome our returning families and the many new families who are joining us for the first time to Aquinas College where Excellence is our Habit! Welcome to what promises to be a positive and productive 2019-2020 academic year. We also invite you to join us in welcoming the following new members to our Aces family:

Mrs. Leandra Kelly—Adderley—Administration Miss Anthea Hemmings - English Language and English Literature

Chef Marcella Evans Ingraham - Family and Consumer Science Mr. Fenton Ramotar—Mathematics and Science

Mr. Ireneo Ajero Sr.—Art Mr. Shelby McPhee—Social Studies

Each academic year, the gifts and talents of our scholars combined with the knowledge, passion and commitment of our faculty allow us to diligently create an envi-ronment where Excellence becomes a habit. We sincerely congratulate our 8th, 9th and 11th grade scholars who performed well on the national exams and our 2019 graduates who have matriculated to tertiary education at UB or universities in the United States and Canada. We are proud of their many academic accomplishments and wish them well in their educational pursuits!

Our theme: Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed. mandates that our staff, parents, community, alumni and scholars work together to further enhance the safe, loving and stimulating learning environment that exists at Aquinas. Our sixty-two year old learning environment reflects our Catholic values and traditions. Therefore, it is paramount that we forge such a partnership that nurtures our scholars in to becoming responsible citizens who are Christ-Centered and Character-Driven. Our holistic approach in our positive learning environment is intentional as we are guided by the eight expectations of the Catholic School Graduate. As a team, we must ensure that our scholars are: Christian Leaders, Academically Capable, Well-Rounded, Loving, Lifelong Learners, Healthy, Environmentally Conscious and Financially Adept.

Principal’s Message 1 ACES in the Spotlight 2 - 7 Outstanding BGCSE and BJC Students 8 - 9

World Scholar’s Cup 10 - 13 Our Student Leaders 14 ACES Welcome Abaco and Grand Bahamas Students 14 Textbook Donations 15

Character Day 16 - 17

The Academia ● Volume 7, Issue 1 ● ac.cec.edu.bs

Parents, you are a critical component to making Aquinas College successful and we thank you for your dedication to your children and to your school. We cannot overemphasize how honoured we are to partner with you. Your children receive the best education when you and our dedicated faculty and staff work as one body. We encourage you to sign on to Power School, the Catholic Board of Education’s grade portal, stay abreast of your child’s academic performance and remain current by reading the weekly news bulletins on our website at ac.cec.edu.bs. We also invite you to visit the Catholic Board of Education’s website at cboe.cec.edu.bs. If you are unable to log on to Power School or have forgotten your password, please contact Mr. Sherman who will be more than happy to assist you. We encourage you to feel free to communicate with your teachers as the need arises.

Congratulations are extended to our

Shining ACES who displayed

EXCELLENCE in their 2018-2019

academic journey.

Principal’s List

Destiny Moss 3.92

Shawnae Johnson 3.80

Vice Principal’s List

Kaiden Moss-Moultrie 3.79

Kianna Burrows 3.68

Lamar Williams 3.66

Dean’s List

Anajah Culmer 3.56

Cameronique Evans 3.51

Vejay Meadows 3.51

Kaiyden Williams 3.51

Honour Roll

Hayden Pratt 3.47

Kharys Bodie 3.46

Brendan Brennen 3.46

Alejandro Gabriel 3.46

Macheala Armbrister 3.45

Lester Arnett 3.45

Ceanna Dean 3.43

Humpherey Sherman 3.43

Lanae Green 3.40

Anayah Bootle 3.38

Alyssa Pierre 3.38

Eva Infanti 3.36

Javaughn Rolle 3.35

Arnaldo Lightbourne 3.32

Anaya Bootle 3.28

Lashay Dean 3.26

Nathan Smith 3.24

Cierra Brown 3.18

Gershon Hield 3.17

Arik Rolle 3.02

Elexio Virgil 3.01

Anthony Farrington 3.00

mailto:[email protected]


Principal’s List

Gerquay Lightfoot 3.80


Alicia Elden 3.76

De’Anthoni Coakley 3.60

Dean’s List

Kelshaunna Colebrooke 3.56

Christina Collie 3.56

De’Shan Ferguson 3.53

Wayde Braynen Jr.

Honour Roll

Principal’s List

Jade Watkins 3.92

Zariya Forbes 3.86

T’Ron Strapp 3.85


Jasmine Hanna 3.76

D’Ron Strapp 3.72

Chloe Lorandos 3.64

Malaysia Brown 3.60

Karisma King 3.48

Alecia Woods 3.48

Arianna Lockhart 3.47

Symphony King 3.46

Shiloh Smith 3.43

Alyzza Arbatin 3.40

Christinique Rahming 3.39

Anton McDonald 3.38

Doyle Storr 3.38

Alyssa Black 3.37

Leah McCartney 3.36

Karlista Gilbert 3.35

Angel Brown 3.33

Kirsty Lewis 3.29

Eveisha Williams 3.28

Calia Dames 3.27

Kinyada Morris 3.25

Mathieu Curry 3.23

Tanaya Tufi 3.20

Cantra Strachan 3.16

Raven Briggs 3.14

Nazya Maycock 3.09

Rayvaughn Sweeting 3.09

Darius Frazier 3.07

Kimora St. Jean 3.07

Samuel Albury 3.06

Joel Wilson 3.05

Taten Hanna 3.02

Leslia St. Albord 3.13

Jade Ferguson 3.11

Cliffaneak Grant 3.08

Charlotte King 3.08

JeT’aime Andrews 3.07

Nalla McKinney 3.07

Payton Woodside 3.07

Robert Johnson 3.05

Joanel Phillipe 3.05

Seaniska Smith 3.05

J’Ian Cargill 3.04

Tyreek Sherman 3.04

John Perez 3.43

Angel Maycock 3.40

Charles Moxey 3.40

Vanessa Dorene 3.35

Gabriel Mitchell 3.34

Joshua Dames 3.32

Dante Hodges 3.30

Ashli Burrows 3.20

Denajah Johnson 3.20

Aryana Mitchell 3.19

Ro-Desha Daxon 3.17

Kaitlin Pinder 3.14

Ciara Antonio 3.13

Honour Roll


Principal’s List

Dana Morrison 3.98

Antonio Thompson 3.95

Dariq Chase 3.94

Zion Virgil 3.93

Daisha Ferguson 3.87

Canaan Cooper 3.85

Jahmai Bastian 3.84

Brea Nairn 3.82


Zantia King 3.79

Jeremy Ferguson 3.78

Montayanna Major 3.76

Johnathan Sheppard 3.76

Aiden Wilson 3.76

Breana Aranha 3.75

Tayler Johnson 3.75

Sierra Nairn 3.75

Javan Johnson 3.74

Gabriel Mitchell 3.74

Atreu Turnquest 3.74

Destiny Sweeting 3.71

Celine Ferguson 3.69

Vallyah Rolle 3.69

Gabrielle Diaz 3.68

Tatum Knowles 3.67

Kaitlyn Coakley 3.66

Sierra Basden 3.65

Dante Cleare 3.64

Dre Knowles 3.64

Joseth Knowles 3.64

Selena Basden 3.61

Adam Cooper 3.60

Honour Roll

Dean’s List

Danielle Sands 3.59

Tavares Sweeting 3.57

Amya Cooper 3.51

Nakia Morley 3.49

Kayla Ellis 3.45

Paris Collie 3.39

Keiron Clarke 3.35

Leon Eugene Jr. 3.33

Andrea Maynard 3.29

Lazari Irving 3.27

Ariel Fawkes 3.26

Frank Forbes 3.23

Kia Archer 3.21

Shania Clarke 3.21

Tasia Walker 3.19

Diego Jones 3.13

Joshua Hanna 3.08

ShanT’jeur Pratt 3.08

Katianna Munnings 3.07


Principal’s List

Danae Morrison 3.99

Zyhria Curry 3.96

Sierra Ferguson 3.94

Arianna Millsap 3.93

Daijah Johnson 3.88

Malik Knowles 3.85


Leander Braynen 3.76

Ciera Sweeting 3.67

Dean’s List

Britney Dean 3.53

Jorden Freemantle 3.53

Shawndra Henfield 3.53

Denae Inniss 3.53

Rickia Hanna 3.51

Honour Roll

Megan Braynen 3.47

Karla Dawkins 3.47

Jacovia McKenzie 3.46

Jasmine Johnson 3.44

Kimara Seymour 3.43

Lauren Thurston 3.43

Dayna Wilson 3.36

Darriel Wood 3.35

Marvinique Adderley 3.33

Deara Rolle 3.30

Savannah Storr 3.30

Demecia Deveaux 3.26

Ricquie Cargill 3.24

Alexae Grant 3.16

Kimiesha Seymour 3.16

Gregranique Higgs 3.10

Marae Newry 3.09

Jenniyah Delancey 3.07

Laurence Laville 3.07

Erin Miller 3.05

Madisyn Major 3.02

Orick Pratt 3.01

Congratulations are extended to our

Shining ACES who displayed

EXCELLENCE in their 2018-2019

academic journey.


Dr. Monique Marshall

Cosmetology Teacher

Received her Doctorate Degree

in Cosmetology

Malik Knowles and Daijha Johnson

Winners of the G-12 Awards Jorden Freemantle

Selected to the Bahamas National

Soccer Team

Arianna Millsap

Recipient of a $60,000.00

Scholarship

Elmira College, New York


TANYA TAYLOR

BAHAMIAN AUTHOR & AQUINAS COLLEGE ALUMNA WINS INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD

Congratulations to the Bestselling Bahamian author and former Aquinas College student, Tanya R. Taylor, who was selected as the Silver Medal Winner of Readers’ Favorite 2019 International Book Awards in the Young Adult in the Paranormal Division. She received this prestigious award for her popular and spine-tingling tale Cornelius. Cornelius was the first book in Tanya’s gripping Cornelius Saga Series and is an Amazon #1 Best-seller in Teen & Young Adult Multigenerational Family Fiction. Cornelius appeared on the top 100 Paid Bestsellers’ lists along with Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Additionally, it was selected as one of the Catholic Board of Education’s Summer Reading List books for Grades 10 - 12. Tanya dedicated Cornelius to her former high school English and Literature teacher at Aquinas College, Mrs. Shona M. Knowles.


Grade 11 Students

Leander Braynen (4) As, (1) B, (1) C

Megan Braynen (2) Bs, (1) C

Zyhria Curry (4) As, (3) Bs, (1) C

Karla Dawkins (1) A, (5) Cs

Britney Dean (1) A, (1) B, (3) Cs

Demicia Deveaux (1) A, (1) B, (2) Cs

Sierra Ferguson (2) As, (2) Bs, (3) Cs

Jorden Freemantle (2) Bs, (4) Cs

Shawndra Henfield (1) A, (3) Cs

Gregranique Higgs (3) Cs

Denae Inniss (1) A, (1) B, (3) Cs

Jasmine Johnson (1) A, (1) B, (3) Cs

Laurence Laville (1) B, (4) Cs

Daijha Johnson (4) As, (1) B, (1) C

Jacovia McKenzie (2) As, (4) Cs

Erin Miller (4) Cs

Arianna Millsap (3) As, (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Danae Morrison (8) As

Ciera Sweeting (2) As, (2) Bs, (2) Cs

Lauren Thurston (1) B, (2) Cs

Dayna Wilson (1) B, (3) Cs

Darriel Wood (4) Cs

Danae Morrison

Successfully Passed (8) 2019

BGCSE Examinations in Grade

11 with all A’s


Alyzza Arbatin (5) Bs, (2) Cs

Carleisa Blatch (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Carlis Blatch (5) Cs

Wayde Braynen (1) A, (3) Bs, (1) C

Raven Brigss (2) Bs, (5) Cs

Angel Brown (1) A, (4) Cs, (1) C

Ethan Burrows (1) A, (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Talia Cartwright (1) A, (4) Bs, (3) Cs

Connolly McKaylin (2) Bs, (3) Cs

Mathieu Curry (1) A, (4) Bs, (1) C

Selvyn Dean (2) Bs, (3) Cs

Turrell Deveaux (1) A, (4) Bs, (1) C

La’Lique Ferguson (5) Bs, (2) Cs

Darius Frazier (1) A, (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Toriano Hanna (1) B, (6) Cs

MarcAnthony Hart (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Khalia Ingraham (1) A, (1) B, (3) Cs

Maricielo Jimenez (1) A, (2) Bs, (3) Cs

Joshua Johnson (2) Bs, (4) Cs

Junior Kelly (1) B, (5) Cs

Earle Lafleur (2) Bs, (2) Cs

Carlos Lightbourne (1) A, (2) Bs, (4) Cs

Nazya Maycock (5) Bs, (2) Cs

Ashad Miller (2) As, (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Kinyada Miller (4) As, (2) Bs, (1) C

Zamario Moxey (3) Bs, (3) Cs

Christinique Rahming (6) Bs

Leslie Rahming (2) As, (2) Bs, (1) C

Ryelle Russell (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Shiloh Smith (4) As, (1) B

Cantra Strachan (3) Bs, (2) Cs

Ervin Wilson (2) Bs, (4) Cs

Joel Wilson (1) A, (3) Bs, (3) Cs

Grade 9 Students

Grade 8T Students Ashli Burrows (3) As, (2) Bs

J’Ian Cargill (1) A, (3) Bs, (1) C

De’Anthoni Coakley (5) As

Christina Collie (2) As, (3) Bs

Ro-Desha Daxon (2) As, (2) Bs, (1) C

Deshan Ferguson (2) As, (3) Bs

Vanessa Dorene (2) As, (2) Bs, (1) C

Jasmine Evans (1) A, (1) B, (1) C

Denajah Johnson (4) As, (1) B

Charlotte King (1) A, (2) Bs, (2) Cs

Gerquay Lightfoot (5) As

Malik Miller (4) Bs, (1) C

Gabrielle Mitchell (5) Bs

Charles Moxey (3) As, (2) Bs

John Perez (2) As, (1) B

Joanel Philippe (1) A, (2) Bs, (2) Cs

Kaitlin Pinder (1) A, (3) Bs, (1) C

Kierra Rolle (4) Bs

Latrell Rolle (2) Bs, (1) C

Bryanah Russell (2) As, (1) B


With our bags packed, our brains overflowing with great expectations and with ACES and Bahamian pride flowing through our veins, 29 Aquinas College scholars embarked on a journey “Down Under” to compete in the World Scholar’s Global Round in Sydney, Australia from August 15 – 20, 2019. With the incredibly long flights to the Land Down Under, my peers and I could not have imagined the outcomes and the experiences that awaited us. Initially, when we arrived at t h e Sydney Convention Centre for competition, The Bahamas was either unheard of or wrongly placed on the map in some of our competitors’ geographical minds. However, by the end of the competition, everyone within the conference center not only knew where The Bahamas was located but they also realized that the scholars of Aquinas College were fierce and capable competitors on such a global scale. The Bahamas became a well sort-after location on the map! The first few days of our journey were competition free. We had the beautiful pleasure of touring the Sydney Harbour by boat. During the boat tour, we saw the world famous Sydney Opera House. We also visited the Taronga Zoo where we saw and interacted with many of the beautiful and mysterious native Australian wildlife. Some of the more adventurous souls among us even tried kangaroo meat. The junior and senior competitions began with the Opening Ceremony, where we were entertained by an Aboriginal man who played their native instrument called the “didgeridoo”. Our ears were also delighted by the floetry of an extraordinary slam poet named Alex Dang. The day ended with a scavenger hunt. The structure of the hunt forced everyone to remove many misconceptions and stereotypes. The hunt forged many new friendships that we will treasure for a lifetime. Without fail, the highly anticipated day arrived; Academic Day. On this day, teams engaged in spirited and energetic debates. At the end of each debate, it was heartening to hear teams complain about their judges, celebrate their wins and learn from their losses. One of the more enduring aspects of this day is the Scholar’s Challenge in which scholars would sit and complete a timed test comprising of 120 challenging questions. To end Academic Day, some scholars participated in the essay segment where they wrote their hearts out to some rather unorthodox essay prompts. The closing ceremony was a day of mixed emotions. The Bahamian flag, among many others, flew majestically during the flag bearing ceremony. We experienced and witnessed beautiful moments of unity despite our many differences.

Aquinas College Students Participate in the World Scholar’s Cup, The Global

Round in Sydney, Australia

By: Arianna Millsap


Our Principal, Mrs. Shona Knowles, was recognized as Coach of the Year by the World Scholar’s organizers for introducing and exposing the Aquinas College scholars to this outstanding program. It was indeed a proud moment for our delegation. As this final evening progressed, the moment of truth finally arrived and the anxiety levels escalated. Everyone’s heart was racing as they sat forward on the edge of the seats. The winners for each category were announced and the medals were awarded. There were no empty necks for the ACES scholars. Our junior and senior teams won a total of 122 medals and 3 trophies. With bated breaths, we anxiously awaited the announcement of the qualifiers for the Tournament of Champions at Yale University, which will be held in November. As TEAM ACES was called as a qualifier, our emotions were bursting with shouts of jubilation and pride. Hearing the name of Aquinas College was the ultimate prize for us. No other moment during the entire competition was able to top this. All of our ten teams qualified for the Tournament of Champions. This finale in Sydney, Australia showed that in the end; the middle and beginning were working extremely hard. As joyous as we are with the many accolades and awards, our moment in time is the result of many hours of coaching, researching, studying and practicing. We extend sincere gratitude to our outstanding coach, Mrs. Elizabeth Morrison and her able assistant, Miss Abby Smith, who have had the mammoth task of guiding us for a number of weeks in Nassau and all the way to Australia. Indeed, we are fortunate that they will continue to guide us onto Yale. This year’s championship at Yale will be bittersweet for six of us as we prepare to end our secondary educational journey with Aquinas College. Additionally, our hearts are heavy as we compete for this final time, for we do so in memory of one of our former coaches, Miss Sophia Strachan, who passed away earlier this year. Last year, we had the honor of working closely with Miss Strachan in preparation for the competition at Yale University. It is in her honour that we will gracefully and fiercely compete. It is time to drop the curtains and go behind the scenes of our seemingly beautiful journey. The clanging of the medals did not come easy. To be successful, we had to make many sacrifices, which included countless hours of studying. The syllabus, though interesting, is very intense and requires detailed research and consistent studying. Without studying the material and being dedicated to the long hours, TEAM ACES would have been like sitting ducks. We all travelled to Australia with an insatiable hunger for success and for an exposure to a new country, customs and culture. World Scholar’s has taught us that success comes in so many ways and that it is ours to devour. We just need to put in the time and effort. Our beginning, middle and end were all made possible through the mercy and goodness of God. We extend heartfelt appreciation to our parents for the love, encouragement and support. We are grateful to all of the parents, teachers and family members who journeyed with us to Australia. Having you there with us was great motivation.



By: Arianna Millsap


To my fellow World Scholars, thank you for taking up the torch and giving your very best during each competition. We showed the world that TEAM ACES is a mighty force. We are a unit that cannot be disrupted nor deterred because we have God on our side. When I say “Ausie, Ausie, Ausie!” you say, “Oy,oy,oy!”



By: Arianna Millsap


Following the devastation and destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama, the Aquinas College school community warmly and graciously welcomed more than 70 students from the two islands. As these new students begin to acclimatize and find some state of normalcy, we extend our full support, love and encouragement to them and their families. We are truly appreciative and express our sincere gratitude to our parents and students who answered the call by donating uniforms, books and school supplies. This warm gesture is at the heart of “Many parts, but One Body”. Let us continue to pray for healing and restoration of the hearts, minds and bodies of our brothers and sisters.

Malik Knowles (Head Boy) | Zhyria Curry (Head Girl)

Jorden Freemantle (Deputy Head Boy)

Sierra Ferguson (Deputy Head Girl)

Orick Pratt (Class of 2020 - President)

Angel Morley (Class of 2020 - Vice President)


Generosity is compassion, and it is love in action. ~Barbara Bonner~ With generous and loving hearts and spirit, textbooks have been donated to our students from Abaco and Grand Bahama by alumni, friends and family of Aquinas College. Sincere gratitude and immense appreciation are extended to Mrs. Teddie Woods (former cosmetology teacher at Aquinas), Mr. Andrew Wilson (Class of 1972), Mr. Tillman Bethel and the Class of 1968, Mr .Darren Woods (Class of 2009), Mr. Basil Christie (former Guidance Couselor of Aquinas), Mr. Michael Fountain (Class of 1971).

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