SIAD graduation 2020-2022 |11 April 2023

President’s Cup winner Tyra Anthony

Tyra Anthony wins  President’s Cup

By Diane Larame

Twenty-year-old Tyra Anthony was the graduate who took home the President’s Cup for the cohort 2020-2022 of the Seychelles Institute of Arts and Design (SIAD) at last Thursday’s graduation ceremony, held at the University of Seychelles’ auditorium, Anse Royale.

In the absence of President Wavel Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan did the honours of presenting the President’s Cup to Tyra.

In addition to the President’s Cup, Tyra also received a laptop sponsored by the Office of the President, a certificate, a scholarship letter for further studies, gift bags as well as vouchers from various sponsors.

During an impassioned interview, Tyra still filled with awe said that she was at a loss for words as she was still processing the thought that she has won the prestigious cup.

“I am currently in a dazed state filled with joy and shock. Honestly, from all the hard work for three years it showed that it is worth it,” she said, thanking all those who have been a source of support especially her mother, whom she said was her main supporter.

She said that as she was currently working, she is yet to decide on going for further studies. “I want to start my own business someday. It is not going to be easy but that is the goal,” she said.

Tyra studied for a Diploma in Graphics Design along with seven (7) other students. In total, 36 students received their certificates last Thursday, following courses in Certificate in Fashion and Textiles, Certificate in Visual Arts, Diploma in Fashion and Textiles, Diploma in Graphic Design and Diploma in Fine Art.

The best performers from each course were also awarded a shield and a certificate each, as well as sponsored vouchers and cash prizes among other gifts. Awardees for best performers in these courses were Feleicia Kessen-Ndah for Certificate in Visual Arts, Fazila Ernesta for Certificate in Fashion and Textiles, Spartercuss Nalletamby for Diploma in Graphic Design, Emelie Philoe for Diploma in Fashion and Textiles.

There were some graduates who had also sat for the GCE A level art examination in 2022, and 16 students in total who fully completed a course in Basic Chinese language programme at Level 1.

Joannes Knowles was the best performer for Diploma in Fine Art, while also being the best GCE A Level art candidate, as well as gaining best effort in Chinese language, alongside Thallurah Labonte, while Shania Monthy was the overall best performer in Chinese language.

Brisiola Niole, 26, won the SIAD’s Governing Board Award, which is awarded to an individual for showing great devotion, exemplary attitude and behaviour in studies as well as extra-curricular activities.

“It is such a privilege to have received this award, it shows that my hard work has been noticed and rewarded I am extremely happy and forever grateful to the SIAD Governing Board and the school itself,” she said.

In his address to the graduates, the secretary general for the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre, congratulated them for firstly being brave enough to pursue a study in art and secondly completing their studies as many might have the misconception that there is no real career in arts.

“I believe that you chose to pursue art because one, you feel that you have what it takes to be an artist, you have the talent, the passion in the artistic domain, and second you have that artistic temperament which is especially important to have,” said Mr Andre.

The ceremony, which started with a gospel performance by a group of third-year students, ended with a vote of thanks by graduate Spartercuss Nalletamby.

Photos by Joena Meme