Teacher of the Year: ‘Be good exemplars’

A Tobagonian is the new Teacher of the Year 2003. It was the first for Tobago. Cherryll Uzoruo vice principal of Goodwood High School in Scarborough, Tobago was declared winner from her nine other counterparts at TTUTA’s Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony held at Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, St Ann’s on Friday night. Uzoruo receives as her prize — $23,000 — from the Ministry of Education, a computer donated by Peter Gillette, the Frank Seepersad Memorial Challenge Trophy, $5000 from TTUTA and $5000 for her school. In her response to being declared Teacher of the Year, Uzoruo told Sunday Newsday: “It was the first time Tobago is receiving such an award and I hope it is not the last.” She reminded her fellow teachers that perseverance leads to excellence. “Always try to emulate good and accepted characteristics of all as this will pave the way for achievement in the final analysis,” she said.

She added that all teachers should be dedicated, responsible, humble and reliable in whatever task they are appointed for, as this will serve well and bring lasting rewards for the community and country. Uzoruo was very excited when she heard the announcement. She said that she did not prepare any speech but is thankful for being declared Teacher of the Year and would continue to be an exemplar to the best of her ability in the teaching fraternity, her community and wherever she goes. Attending and bringing greetings were Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, University of the West Indies, St Augustine; Martin Francis CEO Computers & Control Ltd; Trevor Oliver President TTUTA; Sally Siriram First vice president TTUTA; Barnmatee Seepersad wife of the late Frank Seepersad and Anthony Dalrymple, representing the Minister of Education.