The applause began long before the first certificate was handed out.
On Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, the Aurora Pavilion was filled with proud parents, teachers, family members and supporters as the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) staged the return of its Excellence Awards Ceremony, honouring 176 students for outstanding achievements in academics and athletics.
For many in attendance, the evening represented more than a celebration of student success. It marked the revival of a cherished tradition that had been mostly absent from the school’s calendar in the years following Hurricane Irma. Reintroduced in a refreshed format, the ceremony brought together members of the school community to recognise young people whose dedication, discipline and perseverance had set them apart during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Students from Forms One through Five were recognised for a range of accomplishments. Among the awardees were those who earned places on the Principal’s List and Deputy Principal’s List for one or both terms of the academic year, as well as students who distinguished themselves in the school’s annual road race and bicycle race competitions.
This year’s ceremony also saw the introduction of the Excellence Award, a distinction reserved for students who achieved scores of 80 per cent or higher in every subject across both school terms. The new category reflected the school’s continued emphasis on consistency, high standards and all-round academic achievement.
Serving as the evening’s chairperson was Ms. Laresa Harrigan, who welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of bringing the event back after such a long absence.
“Each year, the Excellence Awards provide us with a special opportunity to celebrate the hard work, discipline and determination of our students, recognising both academic achievement and athletic performance.”
She noted that achievements such as those being celebrated were never accomplished in isolation but were nurtured by parents, teachers and a wider community that believed in its young people.
Principal Dr. Trevor Hodge described the gathering as a special moment for the school family and expressed his delight at seeing the event revived.
“It’s good to be back after 2016–2017,” he said, explaining that the Excellence Awards represent a rebranded version of what was once known as the school’s Honour’s Cocktail.
Addressing the award recipients, Dr. Hodge reminded them that success is often built on unseen sacrifices.
“Sometimes people only see the final results — the medals, the certificates, the trophies, the high grades or the victories on the field,” he said. “But what many people do not see or recognise are the long hours, the sacrifices, the disappointments, the early mornings, the late nights, and the determination it took to get you here tonight.”
He emphasised that excellence is not simply a matter of talent but of commitment and perseverance, linking his message to the ceremony’s theme, The ALHCS Standard: Excellence Without Exception.
“As proud as we are of your achievements tonight, we are even more excited about your future,” he told students. “Never settle for average when you are capable of excellence.”
The ceremony also introduced a new tradition of recognising educators who have made lasting contributions to Anguilla’s education system. This year’s honouree was veteran educator Mrs. Octavia Fleming, whose remarkable career spans more than four decades.
Mrs. Fleming entered the teaching profession in 1978 and retired in 2019 after serving as Deputy Principal of Campus B. Despite her retirement, she continues to contribute to the development of young people through her work in the school’s Visual Arts Department.
Accepting the award, Mrs. Fleming expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“It has been an honour and continues to be an honour to serve.”
As the evening progressed, students proudly walked across the stage to receive certificates and awards while family members captured the moments on mobile phones and cameras. The atmosphere was one of celebration, encouragement and pride, with each presentation serving as a reminder of the talent and potential within Anguilla’s youth.
Towards the close of the ceremony, Dr. Hodge presented the “You Make a Difference” Award to Form 1A3 tutors Ms Tyeisha Emanuel and Ms Akira Rogers. The award recognised the form class that produced the highest number of student awardees, highlighting the important role teachers play in supporting and motivating student success.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Deputy Principal for Pastoral Care Mr. Rondy Isles-Carty acknowledged the many individuals and organisations whose support helped make the event possible. However, some of the evening’s warmest appreciation was reserved for parents.
Addressing the students directly, Mr. Carty invited them to celebrate the people who had supported them throughout their educational journeys.
For the students gathered inside the Aurora Pavilion, the awards represented recognition of achievements already earned. Yet the ceremony also highlighted that excellence is not a destination but a standard to be maintained.
After nearly a decade away, the return of the ALHCS Excellence Awards offered not only a celebration of success, but also a renewed commitment to nurturing a culture where hard work, resilience and ambition continue to be recognised and encouraged among Anguilla’s next generation.
By Janissa Fleming.
