At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th, music, pomp and ceremony filled the Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, signaling the commencement of the 6th graduation ceremony of the Anguilla Community College where sixty-eight aspiring students culminated their training at the local institute of learning. This year’s ceremony was branded under the theme: “Rising with Purpose: Our Strengths, Our Story, Our Future”.
The graduands comprised a unique mix of students who, for the past two years, had matriculated in one of four pathways: CXC Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE); Associate Degree in Education – Primary; Nursing Assistant Certificate Programme; and BTEC International Level 2 Construction.
The ceremonial procession down the aisle was led by flag bearing Pathfinders with Instructor Carton Smith at the fore, bearing the Mace – a symbol of triumph in battle – utilized here as a symbol of victory over the challenges of education. Forty-nine of the proud students presented themselves in sturdy march down the aisle, followed by faculty and college officials.
With all graduates and officials in their positions, a contemporary-music version of the National Song was played; followed by the pre-recorded solo-singing of the College song, “We Salute the ACC”, rendered by renowned local vocalist, Bernard Wattley. Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, Rev. Vincia Celestine, then offered the invocation, after which Ms. Twyla Bradshaw-Richardson – Coordinator of the nursing programme, introduced Ms. Rosanna Browne, the Mistress of Ceremonies.
Ms. Browne cordially greeted invited dignitaries, the College’s faculty and staff, as well as the proud and grateful family members and friends of the graduands. Then, focusing on the graduating students themselves, she briskly hailed them as “our shining stars of the day, the Class of 2025.”
“On behalf of the Anguilla Community College,” she began, “I warmly welcome all of you to this 6th Graduation ceremony of the ACC. Today marks a proud milestone. It is the sixth anniversary of graduation ceremonies at the ACC – six graduations strong, and still rising. . .”
“Each graduation ceremony builds on a legacy of growth, opportunity and transformation,” she declared. “This year’s theme, ‘Rising with Purpose: Our Strengths, Our Story, Our Future’, beautifully captures the spirit of what we celebrate today.”
In addressing the graduands, Her Excellency the Governor, Julia Crouch, made mention of the struggles that the students would have endured over their years of study. “What a wonderful sight,” she observed. “You are so many wonderful graduates, looking so marvelous in all of your finery. It is a finery that represents such hard work, dedication, and the struggles that you have gone through to make it here this afternoon.”
“It is a real privilege to see you here as part of the future of Anguilla,” she expounded. “I extend my congratulations to you, and I would like to share three pieces of advice that I received even as I started out on my own career: First, keep on learning and seizing every opportunity that would present itself to you. Remember that learning does not stop when you leave school or when you leave college. Follow your desire and have a passion for continual learning.
“Secondly, invest in people in all that you do. Invest in the people you work with, the people whom you serve, and invest in those who come behind you. As you launch into your careers, there would be people who will make you feel like you can do anything – like you can achieve. Look at how they make you feel valued. Just observe and copy what you see in them, and pass it on to those whom you work with.”
“Thirdly,” she said, “Think about your bosses. This might be an odd thing to say, but they, too, are human beings and as you work with them you will come across problems and matters that you are required to handle or conditions that can be improved.” “Go to your boss and discuss the matters, but go to them with a solution. Everybody loves somebody who does not only come with a challenge but who brings along a solution,” she advised.
The Honorable Premier, Cora Richardson-Hodge, also extended her congratulations and commendations to the graduating students: “On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, I extend my warmest congratulations to each and every one of you. This year’s theme, ‘Rising with Purpose: Our Strengths, Our Story, Our Future’, is a powerful reminder of the journey that has brought you here. Each of you have demonstrated resilience, commitment and courage. You have faced challenges, balanced responsibilities and made many sacrifices. Yet, you chose to rise, not just for yourselves, but also for your families, your communities and for Anguilla.”
She reminded them that their strengths lie not only in the knowledge and skills that they have gained, but also in the perseverance and the determination they have shown.
“Your story is one of ambition, hard work and purpose,” she observed… Whether you are the first in your family to graduate or you are continuing a proud tradition of academic pursuit, today you add your own chapter to Anguilla’s story of progress and transformation…”
“I encourage you to always remember that your success is not yours alone; it is also a gift to your community. Use your education to uplift others and to inspire those who follow you. Do what you can to contribute to the continued development of our beloved island,” the Premier admonished.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, also congratulated and complimented the Class of 2025: “It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you as we have gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion,” she remarked. Today, marks not just the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and growth, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your lives…”
“Over the course of your studies,” she continued, “you have had the opportunity to discover and develop your unique strengths. Some of you may have discovered talents in science; others in technology and some in arts, whereas others have discovered leadership qualities or a deep passion for service. Whatever your strengths may be, know that these are the very tools that will serve you well as you rise into your purpose…”
“As the Minister of Education, I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. You have worked tirelessly to reach this moment and today you stand as a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and commitment. So, rise with purpose. I extend my deepest congratulations to you, the Class of 2025,” the Minister said.
While congratulating the graduands, the Chairlady of the Board of Governors, Ms. Colleen Horsford, advised them not to allow their passion and excitement to grow dim: “It is indeed my honour and privilege to convey heartfelt words of congratulations to each one of you, on behalf of the Board of Governors of the Anguilla Community College,” she declared.
“As I look upon your excited faces, my confidence is stirred, for in your eyes I see passion; I see ambition; I see sparks of hope; I see resilience; and I also see adaptability. These are the qualities that you have aptly demonstrated throughout your journey, but these are qualities that you must never allow to grow dim, since Anguilla and the world have desperate need of you with such values,” she charged.
The reigning Ms. Anguilla 2025/2026, Ms. Jamin Ruan, presented the Keynote Address. She highly commended the graduating students for the success they achieved: “Graduands, it is a true honour to stand here today. I am excited to be celebrating this milestone with you. Today is not just a ceremony. It is a celebration of resilience, growth and possibility…”
“I understand the pride and excitement that you feel. I have been there,” she reflected. “Whatever the reason was that you chose to enroll at ACC, it was a valid reason. What matters most is that you made it here today. You are wearing your gown, and you are celebrating your success – and that is no small thing…This achievement is a testament that you are hardworking and can overcome hardships…”
“Take a moment to breathe, graduands, because you did it,” she said cheerfully. “You showed up and worked hard. You pushed through. So be sure to thank yourself for putting in the effort to do all of that hard work. It has paid off. Celebrate yourself because this is your day…”
“As you walk across the stage today, walk with your heads held high,” she encouraged, “because you are not just receiving certificates, but you are receiving a legacy.”
“You are proving that the Anguilla Community College is a path to success,” she said emphatically. “So go out there and be the best reflection of what this institution stands for. Be the ones to show Anguilla, the region and the world that from this small island come excellence, resilience and brilliance. Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025,” Miss Anguilla said with glee.
Prior to the distribution of certificates, the Dean of Studies, Dr. Michelle Queeley, expressed her sincere congratulations to the graduating students as well: “Today marks a very significant milestone for our graduands,” she stressed. “It is significant, not just for them as individual students, but also for us as an institution in general.
“Today we proudly celebrate one of the largest graduating classes in a long while in the history of the ACC with sixty-eight students eligible for graduation. Of that number, forty-nine students are present with us today to receive their certificates in person as well as two parents who will be receiving on behalf of two of our absent graduands.”
She mentioned that several of the absent graduands were overseas, and on behalf of the College, she extended congratulations to them from afar.
Dr. Queeley took some time to give some statistics on the graduating class, noting that two of the four groups made history: the Sixth Form students (26 out of 34) constituted the first set of students to graduate from the ACC since the College took administrative responsibility for them in September 2023.
The Nursing Assistant students also comprised the first cohort to undertake a nursing programme at the College and graduate. A total of 21 out of 25 registered students successfully completed the programme. Out of the 21, 17 students graduated. This statistic drew thunderous applause from the audience and the ACC came in for high commendation.
Statistics for the other two graduating groups were teachers (6 out of 7) and construction (2 out of 6).
The Valedictorian was Mr. Chadéro Kent, who had been enrolled in the BTEC Level 2 Construction Programme. He made a stirring speech, in which he thanked God and his lecturers at the ACC for the success that he was able to achieve. He also expressed his gratitude to his family members, particularly his mother and grandfather, for their continuous support.
Recognized for her stellar academic performance was Ms. Rayanna Webster, who was named the most outstanding student in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations. Ms. Webster, who is currently overseas, greeted the ceremony via video feed as she congratulated her fellow graduands. Her mother, Ms. Lauraine Gumbs, as well as Leneta Jules, the mother of absent graduand, Mya Lake, who also graduated from the Sixth Form, both received certificates and awards on their daughters’ behalf.
President of the ACC is Dr. Jacqueline J. Austin. She presented the Graduating Class of 2025: “I now have the honour of presenting you, the Anguilla Community College’s Graduating Class of 2025. Graduates, please stand and be acknowledged. (All graduates stood and faced the audience). But before she began her speech in earnest the President expressed her gratitude to the faculty and staff, as well as other stakeholders related to the institute:
“I wish to thank the Senior Management team, the Administration Faculty and Staff of the ACC. You have all worked tirelessly to contribute to the development of our graduates. You certainly gave life to our mission,” she said, “which is to educate, inspire, and to empower our community members to achieve lifelong goals and to discover their potential.”
During her address, the President highlighted the word “RISE” pertinent to the graduating theme, and coined an acrostic of four distinct attributes that begins with each letter of that word. She designated R for Respect; I for integrity; S for Stamina and E for Excellence. She elaborated on each of these qualities as she admonished the graduates to rise to continue their journey.
“As you continue on your journey, I challenge you, graduates, to rise with purpose…If you are to rise, you must do so with respect; integrity; stamina and excellence,” the President said.
At the end of the two-hour long ceremony, graduate Sherri-Ann Roberts, delivered the Vote of Thanks. The Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Vincia Celestine.
