The graduation season is fast approaching and, with that in mind, the University of the West Indies Mona (UWI) recently announced its class of 2022 valedictorians.

If you have ever attended a graduation, then chances are you would’ve seen a valedictorian deliver their speech.

But what exactly is a valedictorian’s role? And how does one become a valedictorian? 

Simply put, a valedictorian is a student from the graduating class who is selected by the institution to deliver the valedictory speech on graduation day.

They are usually notable students who have achieved the highest honours offered by their institution.

Once a valedictorian is selected, they will be tasked with writing their valedictory speech.

This speech will be given in front of the entire graduating class and is a timeless part of being a valedictorian.

Here are the valedictorians for The UWI Mona’s graduation ceremonies, which have been scheduled to take place from Thursday, November 3, to Saturday, November 5.

Thursday: Dayna Palmer

Dayna Palmer will execute her duties as valedictorian during Thursday’s afternoon service.

Dayna Palmer attended medical school at The UWI, Mona. She was awarded the prestigious UWI Open Scholarship, which helped her to fulfil this dream.

Palmer was a tutor with the UWI Surgical Society, a member of the JAMSA Standing Committee on human rights and peace.

For Palmer, having a busy schedule was not a hindrance to her academic performance, as she remained on the Faculty Dean’s List during her second and fourth years of medical school.

In the final MBBS examinations, she received honours in Medicine and Therapeutics, honours in Surgery, honours in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and the Dr John Hall Prize for the top five students with honours in the Medicine and Therapeutics exam.

Palmer currently works as a medical intern and is looking forward to pursuing a career in integrative medicine.

Friday: Danielle Mullings and David Salmon

Danielle Mullings will deliver her valedictorian speech during the morning ceremony.

Mullings is a multidimensional graduate of the Faculty of Science and Technology with interests including technology, leadership, and the arts.

This UWI Open Scholar has previously made the Dean’s List and received academic commendations for her performance over the years. She is said to be “one of the field’s brightest young minds”.

David Salmon will have the opportunity to share his speech with his fellow graduands during the afternoon ceremony.

When he first stepped through the gates of the UWI, Mona, Salmon was a student of the Faculty of Law who just graduated from his alma mater, Wolmer’s Boys’ School.

But little did he know at the time that law was not to be his final destination.

Less than two weeks after starting, he decided to transfer to the Faculty of Social Sciences to pursue a BSc in Public Policy and Management. This decision changed his life and Salmon has never looked back.

Excellence has been one of his defining qualities. He is a recipient of the coveted UWI Open Scholarship.

In 2021, he received the Caribbean Civilization Prize for being the course’s top-performing student.

That same year, Salmon received the Paulette L. Wilson Prize for best performance in Introduction to Public Policy and Management final examination.

In 2022, he received the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Achievement Award for having the second-highest GPA.

Saturday: Akeelia Richards and Tamarnie Tavares

Akeelia Richards will deliver her speech first during the morning graduation ceremony.

The creative advocate, Akeelia Richards, is an ambitious 21-year-old who blends her love for law and arts.

Richards earned her Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours and has done so with a track record of excellence.

Throughout her time in university, she attained awards such as Faculty of Law Top Full-Time Year 1 and Year 2 student, along with six semesters on the Dean’s List.

She was also the Top Performer for Law of Torts I and II, Law and Legal System, Criminal Law II and Administrative Law.

Akeelia is currently an attorney-in-training at the Norman Manley Law School and an adjunct tutor at the Faculty of Law at The UWI Mona.

The afternoon graduation service will see Tamarnie Tavares delivering her valedictory speech.

Tavares is a proud past student of Holy Childhood High School, which she credits for her growth and development.

Tavares holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management (Major), and Management Studies (Major).

Throughout her course at The UWI, she was blessed with financial aid through scholarships – a blessing that has brought her through high school and now university.