On Thursday morning, July 2nd, the Morris Vanterpool Primary School in East End became the fifth in a series of six primary sch.ools in Anguilla to hold its annual graduation. Sixteen students proudly marched down the aisle under the theme “Starting a New Chapter”, and took their seats.
In addressing the packed auditorium, Principal Marcia Brooks warmly greeted the audience. “It is with immense pride, gratitude, and joy that I welcome you today to the 2026 Morris Vanterpool Primary School graduation ceremony.
“Today is a day of celebration as we honour the achievements of 16 young people who have worked diligently to reach this important milestone. We gather to celebrate not only what they have accomplished, but also to encourage them as they prepare to begin another exciting chapter of their educational journey.”
A former 2020 Salutatorian of the school, Ms. Abigail Campbell presented the Keynote Address.
“It is truly an honor to stand here today at the very school where many of my own dreams began,” Ms. Campbell said. “I wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to today’s graduates. This is a special achievement and each of you should be very proud of yourselves.”
“Completing primary school is the end of one chapter, but you are on the exciting brink of stating another…
Remember that your past does not define your future” she told the graduands. “You can improve and you can achieve greater things when to move forward with purpose…
“…And if you ever fail at anything, never be discouraged; never give up. Failure is not the end. Sometimes failure is simply preparing you for your greatest growth. And growth begins with hope that you can improve and learn – hope that your future can be greater than your present or your past…”
“My faith is a very important part of who I am,” she said. “So, most importantly, I encourage you to remember to put God first in all your undertakings. In Jeremiah 29:11, God reminds us that he has great plans for all of us – plans of purpose, hope and a bright future.”
Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 was Amira Fabian, while the Salutatorian was Miltasia Mercer.
In giving her Valedictorian Speech, Amira also stressed and recognized the power of the Almighty that has brought her thus far. “First and foremost,” she said. “I give thanks and praise to God Almighty, for it is through his blessings and grace that we are able to be here today.
“Through every challenge that we faced and through every obstacle we overcame, His guidance carried us through. Today, is not just a celebration of our hard work, but a testament of His faithfulness in our lives…”
She compared how small fragile they were when they began school with the stature of great achievers that they have now become.
“Standing here today feels rather unbelievable. It feels like just yesterday we were walking into our first classroom, clutching our bags, and hoping we were brave enough to face the day. We were small and unsure, stepping into a world that felt so enormous. But today, we stand tall as the graduating Class of 2026, proud of every step that brought us here…”
Many gifts and awards were received by outstanding achievers in the Class. Among them were the Salutatorian’s Award, sponsored by Mr. Fritz Smith of the East End community, as well as the Valedictorian Award, sponsored by the Honourable Premier Cora Richardson-Hodge.
Following Amira’s Valedictorian Speech, the Class stood to sing “Starting a New Chapter”, after which the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Salutatorian Miltasia Mercer.
Teacher Krystal Webster presented the graduates to end the ceremony.
By: James R. Harrigan
