PHILIPSBURG:--- Local journalist Belkis Marsham has done herself and her country proud by copping top honors at the recent graduation of the University of the Southern Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago. Born and reared in St. Kitts, the young scholar graduated top of her class with a cumulative GPA of 3.95 where the highest GPA one can attain is 4.00. She was awarded the Valedictorian honors and walked away with first class academic honors of Summa Cum Laude. Belkis graduated with a Bachelor degree in English and a minor in communication.
While attending University the young intellectual has made the Dean's list, Vice Presidents list and President's list every semester consecutively for four years. She has been awarded many awards for excellent achievement. In 2011 she was inducted into the international English Honors society, Sigma Tau Delta and in 2013 was honored by the Alumni Association of USC as the most outstanding student at the university.
Belkis not only excelled academically but kept herself occupied as a student worker first in the nursing department then was hired to teach English as Second Language in the University's Language department. She was President of the English Club for two years, President of the Drama Club, voted in for two years as a member of the Student Associated body, first as director of extra academic curricular activities and then as editor of the University's Newspaper. She also served as Vice president of the graduating class executive. Belkis has been involved in most aspects of life on campus and has raised funds for her school via her well celebrated jazz and poetry night that she initiated and executed. She kept her self physically active as a practicing karataka and never failed to give back through various volunteer services. She initiated a peer mentoring program to assist fellow English majors at the university and as motivator and role model she was always available to assist others on their academic journey. Many of her peers have said that anything about school life you needed to know ask Belkis.
At the university's recent graduation weekend Belkis was awarded Dean of the school of Humanities Academic Award, highest grade point achiever in the school of Humanities, highest overall student achiever at the University and Valedictorian of the graduating class.
At the recent graduation commencement ceremonies, true to form Belkis stunned the crowd with what is being termed an epic speech that stirred the audience and earned her a standing ovation from President of Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Carmona and President of the University of the Southern Caribbean Dr. Clinton Valley. She was honored with an invitation to lunch with President of Trinidad and Tobago and his wife.
Considered a force to be reckoned with and a passion for humanity and excellence, Belkis intends to continue her academic journey by pursuing her Master's degree and then her doctorate.