The Morris Vanterpool Primary School (MVPS) in East End held its graduation on the morning of Thursday, July 3rd 2025, under the theme “We are Moving up – Soaring to Our Dreams”. Some 15 Grade Six students of the school dubbed “The Home of the Red Dragons” determinately marched down the aisle to proudly position themselves at their seats.
Prayer was offered by Pastor David Christmas of Faith Baptist Church; the National Song was played on sax by Teacher Elliot Gumbs; and welcome remarks were delivered by Teacher Itasha Webster in her capacity as Acting Principal.
In part, Teacher Itasha said: “It gives me immense pleasure on behalf of the Morris Vanterpool Primary School community to welcome all of you as we celebrate this significant milestone in the lives of our young graduates. Your presence here underscores the importance that we place on education and the future of these young students. We are grateful for your unwavering support and commitment.”
The Keynote Speaker was a former student at the MVPS, an ambitious, thriving young man, Mr. Japheth Olton. In encouraging the graduands, he took the approach of highlighting the school’s motto: “Never Say Fail”, as he particularly endeavoured, by his carefully crafted speech, to motivate the graduands.
‘“Never say fail’. What powerful words these are,” he said. “You see, the truth is, that failure is not the end of the story. It is just a part of the journey. If you do fail, or if you fall, you don’t give up. You just get back up. And every time you do, you will get stronger. That is the Morris Vanterpool Primary way.”
“Let’s look at the butterfly,” he said. “Before it soars through the skies it goes through the tough, quiet stage inside the cocoon. It struggles; it pushes; it waits. And when the time is right, it breaks out, spreads its wings and it takes flight. And that is you here today. You have been learning, building, and growing and now you are getting ready to soar to your dreams…Whatever your dream is, chase after it and never say fail.”
The Keynote address was followed by the distribution of certificates, awards and gifts. As is customary, each graduand received a certificate and an item of significant worth. Apart from awards for academic excellence, numerous “special awards” were issued to deserving students by agents and entities in the community.
After the graduands sang their theme song “We’re Moving Up”, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2025, in the person of Lakaisja Mills, delivered her address.
“Today I have the honour of being the Valedictorian of the graduating Class of 2025,” she said. “I could not be more excited and grateful for this opportunity.”
Lakaisja then listed the several activities which she had the opportunity to participate in with rewarding experiences. “While I attended the Morris Vanterpool Primary School,” she reflected, “I represented the school many times in various activities such as taking part in debating competitions, being a part of the Student Council for three years, being the Secretary of the Student Council, and being a member if the Student Choir for the past three years as well. I also participated in the Primary Numeracy Competition in 2023 and 2024.”
She claimed that through these activities she was able to learn many worthwhile lessons. She identified the teachers who contributed in making her role in these activities a success, and she invited them to stand for due recognition.
She later recognized the parents as well: “Much like these teachers,” she said, “all this would not be possible without the dedication of you, our parents. You also played a vital role in our primary school journey, and for this we are extremely grateful. We hope to see this support continuing as we go over to high school.”
Following Lakaisja’s speech was the Vote of Thanks. This was delivered by Salutatorian, Shalajah Ruan. Teacher Krystal Webster then requested the graduands to stand and turn their tassels to the left. With that, she proudly presented them as graduates to the audience. A recessional rhythm then accompanied the graduates’ gleeful exit.
