Nostalgia, anticipation reign at BATCE sixth-form graduation ball

It was a bittersweet evening for the graduating class of the Bishop Anstey Trinity College East (BATCE) sixth-form school as students brought the curtains down on their time at the Trincity school.

Wearing beautiful gowns and smart suits in varying styles and colours, the class of 2023 made their entrance into the Hyatt Regency's Port of Spain ballroom on Tuesday evening, their nostalgia matching their eagerness to embark on the new journey before them.

The thrill of seeing each other in a stress-free, formal setting, the warm embraces, and the excitement of documenting their memories at the photo booths were indications of the bonds formed by these teenagers during their time at BATCE – bonds that, in some cases, could last a lifetime.

“Graduating makes me feel a bit sad,” Emmanuel Clement told Newsday. “Because of the covid19 pandemic we only got to spend one year in-person with these wonderful teachers. We would have liked to spend a little more time with them, but I guess we all have to move on.”

But he was determined to make that last evening count.

“Tonight, I plan to enjoy myself with my friends as much as possible, without going overboard of course.”

Clement recalled his entry into sixth form, describing it as “nerve-racking” because he knew the school had very high standards, academic and otherwise. But even with the jitters he said he was able to easily adapt to the online format because the staff made it engaging.

“I think it’s because of the efforts the teachers put in that kept us interested. Even when we came back out in upper six, it was strange and felt like we had to rebuild the school’s culture. Fortunately our teachers, parents and the community were there to support us.”

But principal Shinelly James insists that the students’ ability to navigate their way through their unprecedented circumstances was mainly due to their own resilience and innovation, and that contributed to their being able to quickly find their footing when they returned to in-person school.

“On their return to physical school, they took advantage of every opportunity to maximise their sixth form experience through their academic classes, school clubs, sporting activities and leadership opportunities."

She said it was also the driving force that made them determined to make their final evening as BATCE students such a memorable occasion.

“This graduation was significant, as they were not able to experience the key milestone, form five graduation, as a result of the pandemic.

"Thus all hands were on deck to raise funds so that no student would have to pay for their ticket. And through the hard work of parents and teachers, we realised our goal. This was our gift to a truly memorable and remarkable year group.”

The low background music set the tone for a delectable dinner with easy conversation among the students, staff and specially-invited guests. This was followed by a number of unconventional awards given out by students to their peers, among them the Know Everybody, the Hustler, the Community Taxi, the Shopkeeper, and the Most Likely to Die in a Horror Movie awards.

Clement and his close friend Malachi Duncan were recipients of the Dynamic Duo award. Duncan told Newsday despite the pandemic disruptions that brought the world to a halt and plagued the school system over the past years, his last academic year was one of the most enjoyable he has ever had.

“I was always excited and exhilarated by the community that is BATCE. I’ve had no bad experiences or any problem with any of my teachers. My sixth-form journey at Bishop Anstey Trinity College East was truly amazing, so this is a bittersweet moment for me.

"Bitter in the sense that I will miss my teachers and classmates, but sweet in the sense that I have finally completed this leg of the journey and now it’s just to have fun and enjoy the night.”

Another student, Anya Mitchel, whose entry into the school’s sixth form programme was a bit of a culture shock, having come out of a home-schooled system, said her time at BATCE was simultaneously gruelling and rewarding.

“I first entered the public school system in sixth form, so it was new on many accounts. Not just the workload, but making new friends and knowing what it is to have many different teachers and working with a schedule that was not set by me but by other people…I have made some amazing friends,” and it was a good experience that went way beyond academics.

“We did a lot of volunteer work, which is a really good thing and something I really enjoyed. The culture there is really something else,” she said – a sentiment also expressed by schoolmate Amaris Noray.

“BATCE has a very expressive culture, so a lot of times, through the arts and other activities, it helped us to come out of our shells and immerse ourselves socially,” which Noray said was desperately needed after the student population returned to in-person school post-pandemic restrictions.

“The transition, coming back in person, was difficult because of the social anxiety.” But they eventually adapted and began preparing for life outside secondary school and for the world of work.

“But that aside, the focus this evening is to have fun, do a lot of dancing and enjoy some good socialisation with my teachers and friends,” she told Newsday before returning to the festivities on the arm of a tall young man whose suit matched her exquisitely beaded dress.

“I designed it myself…I ordered the beads from South Africa,” she said, beaming.

And as the lights were dimmed and some shoes and jackets came off – an indication that it was time for the BATCE sixth form Class of 2023 to take to the dance floor – a gratified James and her staff looked on with smiles, extremely satisfied with what they and their students were able to accomplish despite the challenges.

“Students, we love you! We are proud of you, and we know that you will go out and impact positive change in this world,” she said.