The hall of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School (ATHPS) was filled with bright young students on Friday, 21st November 2025, as students, parents, teachers, government officials and community members gathered for the school’s annual Reading Awards Ceremony. This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Opening New Chapters, Building Bright Futures,” also honoured the life and legacy of the late Tr. Dorothy Hughes, one of Anguilla’s most respected educators.
Born on 7th May 1931, Dorothy Eudine Hughes — affectionately known as Tr. Dorothy —began her schooling at the Road Elementary School at the age of 5. By age 15, after excelling academically, she became a pupil teacher at the same school. She later trained at the Spring Gardens Teacher Training College in Antigua before returning home to serve at the West End Primary School (today the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School) and later at the Road Primary School, now ATHPS.
Her work extended beyond the classroom. She supported handicraft, music, extra classes, quiz preparations and Common Entrance readiness — leaving a profound mark on generations of Anguillians. After more than three decades in the profession, she retired in 1986 at the age of 55, remembered as a dedicated, creative and compassionate educator. Her enduring impact was evident as the ceremony got underway.
The event officially began with all ATHPS students standing to recite their school pledge and sing the school song — a reminder of the values grounding the institution’s success.
In her welcome remarks, Tr. Paula O’Connor brought the audience into the world of literature through iconic opening lines from authors such as Charles Dickens, George Orwell, Maya Angelou, Bill Martin Jr., and Anguilla’s own Freddie Hughes and Rev. Dr. Wycherley Gumbs. She reminded the audience that these lines, “drawing us, the reader, into new worlds,” highlight the wonder and privilege of reading.
She encouraged the students to place their hands on their chests and repeat after her: “I have a bright future.” In unison, they declared it — an affirmation that set the tone for the evening. “We are here to celebrate you… Keep reading. Keep opening new chapters. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep imagining. Keep soaring,” she told them. “The sky is the limit and you have a bright future.”
Students then filled the hall with the lively melody of their song, “Reading Sound.” Immediately after, they performed the reflective and compelling poem “To Be The Best That I Can Be.” The piece, delivered with confidence and emotion, explored the tension between modern technology and traditional reading, urging parents to guide their children with intention:
“If you plant neglect, weeds will grow. If you plant reading, wisdom will show.”
The poem closed with a call for balance, guidance and the recognition that reading is a path to both empowerment and freedom.
The literary progress of the students was outlined by Tr. Karen Richardson, the school’s Literacy Coordinator, who described this year’s achievements as “encouraging.”
A total of 120 students received awards — an increase from the previous year. Of these, 68 earned First Class Honours, 32 earned Second Class Honours, and 20 earned Third Class Honours.
She explained the rigorous criteria used to assess students across grade levels. At the kindergarten level, First Class Honours required scores of 80% or higher in all four foundational areas, while Second and Third Class Honours reflected the same benchmark in three or at least two areas. In Grades One and Two, students reading two grades above, one grade above, or at grade level earned First, Second and Third Class Honours respectively. For Grades Three to Six, the Reading Test determined placement, with students performing two years above age level, one year above, or at age level receiving First, Second and Third Class Honours respectively.
Across all stages, Tr. Richardson praised the students’ “dedication, courage and willingness to keep turning the page towards something new.” She extended gratitude to parents and families, acknowledging their irreplaceable role in nurturing readers: “Your support, your patience and your belief in these young learners make all the difference.”
One by one, students made their way to the stage to receive their certificates. The hall rang with proud smiles and applause from parents and even the students themselves as they cheered for each other. Each child carried home not just an award, but encouragement for their academic journey.
A special token of appreciation was then presented to the family of Tr. Dorothy Hughes, symbolising ATHPS’s deep respect for her years of service and lasting influence.
The evening ended with joint remarks from students Ashe Banks and Jaleyah Gumbs, who delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the student body. They congratulated their peers “for your dedication and love for reading,” and extended thanks to teachers, parents, guardians and everyone who supported the event.
“Your support will help us become stronger readers and better students every day,” they said. They also expressed appreciation to the Ministers of Government and Opposition for their presence and encouragement.
The 2025 Reading Awards Ceremony at Adrian T. Hazell Primary School was a reaffirmation of the school’s mission to nurture a generation that values literacy, imagination, and lifelong learning. In honouring Tr. Dorothy Hughes, ATHPS also emphasized the legacy of educators whose passion continues to guide students long after they leave the classroom.
By Janissa Fleming
