The Adrian T. Hazell Primary School Auditorium filled with applause, pride and youthful excitement on Thursday, 20th November 2025, as students, parents, teachers, and community partners gathered for the 19th Annual National Primary School Awards Ceremony. Held under the uplifting theme “Celebrating the Power of Potential,” the evening highlighted the academic and creative strength of Anguilla’s young learners.
The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Malica Smith Connor, who welcomed attendees and underscored the purpose of the event. She commended the Anguilla Electricity Company Limited (ANGLEC) for its nearly two-decade-long sponsorship.
“From its inception, ANGLEC has promised to remain committed to this award ceremony annually,” she noted. “Our ceremony is a way of highlighting the achievements and contributions of our primary school students… by recognising and celebrating their achievements in not just academics, but also sports, we support the confidence and growing potential of all our students.”
Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney, in his remarks, called the event “a national moment of pride.” He celebrated not only the students, but the teachers, parents and school communities who strengthened the island’s education system through years of resilience. “To our award recipients, congratulations,” he said. “Each of you has worked hard — late nights studying, early mornings practising, constant rehearsals, repeated drills… Today is your moment to shine.”
Reflecting on the island’s continued educational recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Romney said students had shown “impressive performance” in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) and other national tests. He urged the young achievers to remain grounded and ambitious: “Let these achievements inspire you, but never allow them to make you complacent.”
The feature address was delivered by 2024’s Most Outstanding Grade 6 Student, Ms. Reegan Lake Reid, who offered a heartfelt reflection on the ceremony’s theme. “Potential is more than just a word,” she said. “It is a reminder of the greatness that is already within us, waiting to be discovered, developed, and used.”
Drawing from her own experience awaiting exam results just one year prior, she spoke candidly about doubt, determination, and perseverance. “There were nights when I had no motivation to even review my work and [there were] times I doubted myself. But I pushed forward because I knew that in the end, I would make myself proud.”
Her message to fellow students was one of hope and resilience: “Your presence here is proof that potential becomes powerful when you work towards it.”
She closed with the Bible verse that guided her journey: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
A lively performance of Mary Mary’s “Shackles” by students of Destiny Academy additionally captured the essence of Ms. Lake Reid’s message – to break free from one’s fears and doubts to push forward. This was followed by the evening’s most anticipated segment — the distribution of awards.
Awards were presented by Mrs Estelle Laurent-Carter, Ms Ayisha Bellot and Ms Deveane Guishard, who celebrated excellence across the CPEA and National Tests of Standards.
Thirty-one students received awards for outstanding performance in Language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Sports.
The top three performers in the 2025 CPEA, all from Grade 6, were announced to loud applause:
• 1st: Gabriel Leveret (AARPS)
• 2nd: Liam Webster (AARPS)
• 3rd: Skai Carty (Vivien Vanterpool Primary School – VVPS)
For the Grade 3 Test of Standards, the top achievers were:
• 1st: Anastasia Arrindell (MVPS)
• 2nd: Kylan Richardson (Valley Primary School – VPS)
The Patricia J. Adams Literary Award was also presented to Gabriel Leveret, T’jay Webster and Anastasia Arrindell, while The ANGLEC Achievement Award was awarded to Leveret and Arrindell in recognition of exceptional scholastic promise.
A serene flute rendition of “Roar” by Katy Perry, performed by Tr. Amelia Olivacce, added a musical lift to the evening’s proceedings.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks was CPEA second-place finisher, Liam Webster, who spoke on behalf of the awardees with maturity and gratitude. He expressed appreciation to ANGLEC for its unwavering nineteen-year partnership. “You have shown us that you truly believe in the power of our potential.” He also thanked those who contributed to making the night’s event a success.
Before closing the ceremony, Ms. Smith Connor offered a final word not only to awardees, but to every child present.
“Never stop trying,” she urged. She then led the students in an uplifting affirmation, encouraging them to recognise their worth: “I am so very special like a star up in the sky. You’ll never find another me no matter how hard you try… S-P-E-C-I-A-L. I’m special.”
Anguilla’s children hold extraordinary potential, and with the continued support of families, teachers, the Department of Education, and community partners, that potential will shape the island’s future.
By Janissa Fleming
