Baah Yigo Portia Haventia Emerges as Valedictorian at Wa Nursing Training College’s First Graduation Ceremony

On February 27, 2025, Wa Nursing Training College marked a historic milestone by holding its first-ever graduation ceremony on the school premises. The event was filled with joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment as students, faculty, and invited guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class.

During the ceremony, Baah Yigo Portia Haventia was introduced as the Valedictorian, a recognition of her outstanding academic performance. She was also honored as the Overall Best Student for the 2024 graduating class of Registered Nurses, achieving an impressive Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.56.

Delivering her valedictory speech, Portia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to stand before her colleagues on such a memorable day. She reflected on the challenges they had faced throughout their academic journey, acknowledging the hardships, sacrifices, and perseverance that had brought them to this significant moment.

“There were times we felt like giving up when the weight of responsibilities seemed too much to bear. But we didn’t give up. We persevered, supported each other, and drew strength from our struggles. Through it all, we’ve learned to adapt, believe, and overcome,” she said.

Portia extended heartfelt appreciation to the educators and mentors who had played an instrumental role in shaping their knowledge and skills. She acknowledged their guidance, wisdom, and expertise, which would serve as a foundation for their future in the nursing profession. She also expressed gratitude to family and loved ones, recognizing the unwavering support, sacrifices, and encouragement that had fueled their journey.

The speech took an emotional turn when Portia called for a moment of silence in honor of colleagues who had passed away before completing the journey. She acknowledged their contributions and the lasting impact they had left on their peers, stating that their memories would continue to inspire the graduates as they moved forward.

Quoting the legendary Maya Angelou, she reminded her fellow graduates:
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

She ended her speech with a powerful message of resilience and triumph:
“Through the storm and every struggle, we’ve emerged stronger and more radiant than ever. Hats off to you, colleague graduates—we’ve done it! Welcome to the noble profession!”

The graduating class of 2024 included 63 students from the Registered General Nurses (RGN) Batch 8 and 102 students from the Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) Batch 17. The event was a moment of pride for the entire institution, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates as they embark on their professional careers in nursing.

For those who know Baah Yigo Portia Haventia, her success comes as no surprise. She has always been known for her hard work, dedication, and brilliance, consistently excelling in her academics. Her educational journey speaks volumes about her determination:

• She completed Tumu College of Education Demonstration JHS in 2017 with grade 17.

• She proceeded to Saint Francis Girls SHS, completing in 2020 with grade 14.

• Now, in 2025, she stands tall as the Valedictorian and Overall Best Student of Wa Nursing Training College’s pioneering graduation class.