The Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) 2024 graduation ceremony, held on October 22nd, 2024, at Royale Caribbean, was a momentous occasion themed “The Renaissance: Celebrating Knowledge, Inspiring Futures.” The event celebrated 126 students, each standing proudly at the end of their secondary education journey, ready to embrace the future.
In attendance were members of Government and government officials including the Hon. Minister of Social Development and Education Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers; the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Communication, Utilities, Housing, and Tourism Hayden Hughes; and Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Merrick Richardson. The celebration was further enriched by the presence of Permanent Secretary of Social Development and Education Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, and Education Planner Mrs. Dawn Reid, along with other officials, past and current ALHCS principals, teachers, parents, and supporters.
The ceremony commenced with a graceful Processional, where the graduates, adorned in their caps embellished with personal messages, marched proudly into the hall to the cheers of family and friends. The stirring atmosphere was enhanced by musical performances including the National Anthem rendered by the Young Masters’ Pan Core Ensemble and the National Song by Christen Fleming and Gavani Brown. Pastor Rondy Isles-Carty followed with the invocation, giving thanks for the students’ journey, and praying for their future endeavours.
Teacher T’arah Edwards welcomed the audience before introducing Ms. Sherise Brooks, the chairperson for the afternoon’s proceedings. Ms. Brooks captured the significance of the day, likening the graduates’ journey to a personal renaissance. “You’ve faced challenges such as navigating virtual learning amidst a global pandemic, but you’ve pushed through, much like the great minds of the Renaissance,” she said. “Today is about looking forward, embracing the limitless possibilities of the future.”
Education Minister Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers echoed this sentiment in her remarks, emphasising the modern renaissance graduates now face. “You, the graduates of 2024, are stepping into a modern renaissance—one that is transforming industries and reshaping our society. You already have the tools in your hands to reimagine Anguilla in ways that transcend our boundaries.”
Following these inspiring words, the Young Masters’ Pan Ensemble performed a rendition of “How Far I’ll Go,” fittingly symbolising the graduates’ potential to go far in their future pursuits.
The keynote speaker, Mr. Chris Richardson, shared reflections on the theme, emphasising that the renaissance calls for a rebirth of learning and culture, particularly in the context of Anguilla’s development. “Why is it that knowledge is increasing in our nation, yet our boys are being hauled along the halls of our court system? Renaissance calls for a rethinking, looking ahead, and preserving what our forebears created for us.”
After a heartfelt musical selection by the ALHCS Concert Choir, the graduates received their awards and certificates, presented by, the current principal, Dr. Trevor Hodge, and the former principal Mrs. Rita Celestine-Carty, alongside the former and present Year 5 heads Mrs Sarah Francis and Mrs. Jocelyn Theophile-Richardson. Special awards were given to students Anzia Etienne (Munificence Award), Khorey Barrett (Dexter Mussington Award), Tyrique Alexander (Selwyn Horsford Food and Nutrition Award) and Jarreeka Liburd (ACOCI Business Studies Award and Best CXC Results).
A special tribute was paid to Mrs. Celestine-Carty, with Year 5 graduates expressing gratitude for her leadership. They also warmly welcomed Dr. Hodge, presenting him with a gift as a token of their appreciation.
In his remarks, Dr. Hodge commended the graduates for their perseverance and resilience. “Your class of 2024 is the first ever to graduate from the new campus in the Quarter. You are history-making graduates. The lessons you’ve learned will continue to guide your lives as you move forward.” He also recognized the teachers, thanking them for their commitment to the students’ success.
Graduating student, Jarreeka Liburd, delivered touching farewell remarks, recounting the challenges of the past five years, including the difficulties of online learning during the pandemic. “Nevertheless, we made it. High school was not just a place of education but one where bonds and friendships were built that will last a lifetime.”
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Ethan Harrigan, who expressed gratitude to the Almighty, the teachers, parents, supporters, sponsors, and everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
As the Class of 2024 steps into a new chapter, they do so with a solid foundation of knowledge, a supportive community, and the encouragement to seize the future with confidence and purpose. The ALHCS continues to be a beacon of excellence, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
