ADDRESS TO GRADUATES – ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY
All Protocols Observed
Fellow Academians,
I have enormous pleasure in addressing you today, the 2025 graduates of our beloved Alma Mater. I graduated in 1973, yes, 1973, 52 years ago. I don’t look it, right? Since then, I have experienced many triumphs and accomplishments, and trials and tribulations, but I am still standing. A primary reason I am still standing is the strength of character I developed from attending the St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA).
Strength of character refers to the positive qualities that define a person’s moral and ethical fiber, which influences their thoughts, feelings, and actions. It’s about having a strong moral compass, integrity, and the ability to persevere in the face of challenges. People with strong character are known for their honesty, courage, determination, and respect for others.
“Honest, pure and courageous
In all we do and say”
— School Song, Verse 2
That is one tenet of life I learned from attending SJA, and that is one tenet I want you to always practice in your lives. Resilience, integrity, empathy, self-discipline, confidence – these are some of the other principles you would have learned. I urge you never to forget them; continue to apply them as you move through life.
I remember all my teachers, as I am sure you will remember all of yours when you leave here. I was fortunate to have Brother E. B. Wakeham, the first Principal of the school, on his second stint here; and others like Brothers Wright, Hurley, French and Lawlor. And of course, the inimitable Brother Thomas Armstrong. These men hailed from the Congregation of Christian Brothers, a religious institution out of Ireland, which founded the St. Joseph’s Academy. I also remember the Antiguan teachers in my day, men like Mr. Foster Lyne, Mr. Joseph Lewis, Mr. Jimmy Nanton and Mr. Romeo Francis. I, and others of my graduating year, remember them all with fondness, appreciation and love.
You will remember your Principal and your teachers – Mr. Rudolph Davis, Principal (the incomparable Mr. Davis – no one can forget him, right?), Mr. Checkson Gomes, Mr. Clem Roberts, Mr. Ellis Southwell, Ms. Judy Blackman, Ms. Pauline Maloney, and others. You know who they all are. What do all these teachers (past and present) have in common? They taught us to have pride in ourselves, pride in our school, and to always uphold the name of St. Joseph’s Academy.
That is what I want you to do going forward. Keep this pride, this sense of attachment, belonging and gratitude for the education, adventure and culture experienced at SJA. And when you can do so, when you can afford to do so, give back in whatever way you can to the school. Incidentally, there is now a St. Joseph’s Academy Alumni Association Inc. (SJAAAI) by which you can do so. In due course, you can join SJAAAI.
There are literally no words to describe the pride I feel every time an SJA boy comes out on top in any endeavour, when I hear it on the news – whether it is the top student in the island at CXC/CSEC, Teenage Pageant, Debate Competition, Sporting Event, or whatever. (Congratulations incidentally to Ruiz Citre and Nicholas McAlmont and SJA on our latest triumph – winning the Caribbean Union Bank Inter Secondary School Debate Competition. You have continued a long tradition.) The feeling of pride in our alma mater when I hear such good news knows no bounds. The same when an SJA graduate reaches any accomplishment or milestone. Keep such milestones coming. You too will feel pride in your fellow alumni and your school.
Ne Timeas, our school motto – Be Not Afraid. A St. Joseph’s Academy graduate is morally strong, passionate, respectful, courteous, creative, determined and humble. But not afraid! He is not afraid to try new things. He is not afraid to be different. He is not afraid to stand up for others, to decry wickedness and evil, to defend his country – both physically and intellectually – and he is not afraid to worship his God. Amen?
“Ne Timeas, our motto
Fearless shall we be
Upholding the ideals
Of St. Joseph’s Academy”
— School Song, Verse 2
A little advice as you move forward in your careers. Some of you may know exactly what you want to do. If so, that is great. Many others may not. Indeed, some of you may be moving on to 6th Form, Antigua State College, or even university, and have put off that important decision.
Do not be too worried. What I was looking at when I was your age and about to graduate is a far cry from what I eventually did and became. Many of my classmates have the same experience.
But graduates, this is the thing: whatever you do in life, do it well. Whether it’s your career, study, vocation, profession – always do it to the best of your ability. Remember you are an SJA Boy and that is what is expected – by your parents, your associates, society, and your country. More importantly, it is what you should expect from yourself.
And when you have reached one goal, or completed all your goals, set yourself another. Don’t kill yourself, mind you, but always strive for the next great thing. My first profession was banking, then I became a chartered accountant, then I went into politics, then I became a lawyer. I thought that would be the end of it, but recently I completed a Doctorate in Education from the University of the West Indies. Fifty-two years ago, when I was standing where you are now, I had no idea I would have accomplished all these things. So, anything is possible with hard work and determination. You never stop learning. Remember that.
Don’t misunderstand me. Life is not a bed of roses. It isn’t. Mr. Davis and your teachers can tell you it isn’t. Your parents can tell you it isn’t. Life is not easy, especially with all the unwholesome distractions out there. You will make mistakes. But when that happens, dust yourself off and start again. Be honest about what happened and be courageous going forward. And when you boldly and fearlessly go forward, I promise you, your successes will soon outweigh your adversities.
Speaking about the school song (you can tell I love the school song), I will tell you how it has helped me – especially in the last ten years. When I am unsure of myself, under stress, or even depressed (that will happen), I sing the school song. It is a beautiful song with a catchy tune, simple but unbeatable lyrics. It cheers me up and sets me back on the right path. Try it sometime. (I’m not going to sing it – don’t worry, although I could.)
Sometimes, if I want to be mischievous, I tease a close friend who went to another school that claims to be equal to SJA. Every time we argue about which is the better school (nothing wrong with friendly rivalry) and we can’t decide, I end by saying, “But all you have no school song,” and then I start singing it. It always annoys him. Be ready to sing the school song. Recently, at the funeral of a past student, a fellow alumnus requested that all SJA students stand and sing it. Many struggled – but not me.
Let me close by congratulating you on your graduation today. Getting through secondary school is a challenge – academically, socially, and mentally. Applaud yourselves and prepare for the next step. Ten, twenty, forty, fifty years from now – where will you be? Time really flies. I have a dream for one or two of you.
Of course, I wish all of you success. But I am hoping that one of you, if no SJA boy does it before, becomes Prime Minister of this country. Yes, I have this dream. No Prime Minister has yet come out of SJA. Our competitors boast that. The time must come when SJA can too. It might be one of you. The friend I teased earlier always says, “Oh, all you have no Prime Minister.” I have no comeback, but I always answer, “It’s coming.” Make my dream come true. Aim for that and higher. Aim for the highest.
Thank you.
Dr. Lenworth Johnson
18 June 2025
