Wednesday July 2nd, 2025, saw the pews of the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church filled with proud parents, beaming teachers, government officials and exuberant well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the graduating class of Valley Primary School (VPS). The theme, “Turning the Page, Beginning a New Chapter,” was a fitting title for a day that celebrated past victories, present joy, and the promise of adventures yet to come.
Tr. Aaliyah Richardson opened the morning with warmth and metaphorical flair, likening the graduates to authors whose personal stories were already rich with trials, triumphs, and transformation. “Now, as they turn this page, they begin a new chapter… it will offer moments of joy, discovery, and success.”
Indeed, the entire affair felt like a perfectly penned epilogue to one book, and an exciting prologue to another.
Former VPS student and keynote speaker, Mr. Armani Richardson, brought equal parts humour, humility, and heartfelt inspiration during his address. From sleepless nights and school concerts to tough tests and dance rehearsals, he listed the many small wins that led to this big moment.
His storytelling was reminiscent of a good novel, weaving in pop culture, cartoons, and even the film, Kung Fu Panda. “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present,” he quoted from the film, reminding students to savour the now before leaping into what’s next.
Mr. Richardson also shared his own journey – from fresh graduate to stepping into the teaching profession while still young – encouraging students not to be boxed in by age, doubt, or other people’s limitations.
As if taking a page from his advice, the ceremony progressed with confidence and grace. Certificates and special awards, were handed out by the graduating class’s teachers – some also notably presented by the Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Cordell Richardson and the Hon. Minister Shellya Rogers-Webster – to loud cheers and the occasional tearful clap from a proud granny in the back.
This year’s valedictorian, Ms. Maleeha Skellekie, delivered encouraging and departing words during her speech that soared higher than the birds she so dearly loves.
Known for her brilliance in music, art, and an affinity for the natural world, Maleeha’s speech was a stunning blend of personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflection. “When I look back on the journey that brought us here, I see more than just books, tests, and homework. I see memories. I see laughter. I see growth.”
She brought the crowd back through key moments: the COVID-era online learning chaos, the unforgettable Hello Tourist experience, and the muddy misadventure at East End Pond. “We lost shoes and maybe even our dignity in the mud that day. But we also gained laughs, teamwork, and stories we’ll never forget,” she said.
She paid homage to the school’s unique character – its green spaces, its moments of stress-turned-play, and yes, its wildlife. “As someone who loves animals, especially birds, Valley Primary School was a perfect place for birdwatching… our school wasn’t just a place of academic learning. It was a living classroom.”
Her gratitude extended to teachers past and present, describing them as more than just educators but also mentors, supporters, and friends. She concluded with the image of students “leaving the nest,” wings ready, hearts full, and dreams unshaken. “We’ve got wings now. We’re ready to fly.”
The crowd’s applause had barely subsided when the Class of 2025 took to the stage for their group performance of “I Rise.” Their harmonies echoed through the church, resonating with the promise of resilience, growth, and purpose.
Salutatorian Ashauntae Richardson wrapped up the ceremony with a beautifully delivered vote of thanks, giving figurative flowers to teachers, friends, sponsors, and family.
Then came the tassel-turning. A tradition, yes, but in that room, it felt like something sacred. As students recessed out – some waving, others high-fiving each other and even dancing down the aisle – it was clear that Valley Primary’s Class of 2025 were now stepping into a world of blank pages, and they’ve already got their pens ready to write their stories.
Article by Janissa Fleming
