00:00There was celebration, pride and reflection at the Movar Laventhal Secondary School as students marked a major milestone, graduation.
00:10But beyond the certificates and applause, the message delivered to the class was clear.
00:15Your story is still being written.
00:18Under the theme Unwritten Futures, the feature address challenged graduates to look beyond their circumstances and take ownership of what
00:27comes next.
00:28Where you come from is part of your story, but it will never be the limit of your story.
00:41And beginning today, the next chapter belongs entirely to you.
00:52Justice Frank C. Passard's address drew on the rich history of Laventhal, reminding students that from these very hills came
01:00one of Trinidad and Tobago's greatest contributions to the world, the steel pan.
01:06Pioneers like Winston Spree Simon transformed discarded oil drums into a globally celebrated instrument through creativity, discipline and vision.
01:16From a community which many continue to characterize as being dangerous or troubled, young people created something so extraordinary that
01:35it is now celebrated on a global stage and is the symbol of Trinidad and Tobago.
01:45A powerful reminder, graduates were told, that greatness can emerge from places often unexpected.
01:54Greatness does not always begin in the places of the world that you expect.
02:04Often, however, it begins in the places where the world misunderstands.
02:13Justice C. Passard acknowledged the reality many students know all too well, that Morvar and Laventhal are often associated with
02:22crime and social challenges.
02:25But that is only part of the story.
02:28On the one hand, the mention of these communities may invoke concerns about crime, gangs and social struggle.
02:40On the other, they invoke images of rhythm, creativity, resilience, brilliance, cultural genius and unlimited potential.
02:59These same communities have produced cultural icons, world-class athletes and global ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago's talent and resilience.
03:09Our Vashita Wari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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