The Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) celebrated the graduation of 149 students on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church. Held under the theme “Stars: Successful Through Adventure, Resilience, and Sacrifice,” the event was filled with emotion, pride, and celebration.
The sanctuary and balconies were packed with family members, teachers, friends, and well-wishers. An air of excitement filled the space as flag-bearing Pathfinders led the graduates down the aisle to the sound of processional music. Graduates took their seats on either side of the aisle.
Following renditions of the national anthem, the national song, and the school song — performed by selected students – Pastor Dwayne Adams of the Central Baptist Church offered an opening prayer. Moderator Ms. Davier Gumbs then welcomed the gathering.
“It is with great pleasure that I officially welcome each and every one of you to the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School’s Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025,” she said.
“To our esteemed dignitaries, the Principal and dedicated staff of the ALHCS, proud parents and guardians, supportive family members, friends, and well-wishers and especially our graduating class, I say to you all a hearty welcome and I thank you for joining with us to celebrate this major milestone.”
“This year’s theme ‘Stars: Successful Through Adventure, Resilience and Sacrifice’ is a fitting reflection of your journey,” she told the graduands. “You have navigated challenges, embraced growth, and you have made many sacrifices to arrive at this moment, a moment that you have earned. So I say hearty congratulations Class of 2025, our rising stars.”
The Hon. Minister of Education, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, extended her congratulations.
“It is an honour to serve as Minister of Education,” she noted. “It is my pleasure to stand here before you to celebrate this milestone, and moreover to celebrate your journey. It was a journey shaped from adventure, resilience and sacrifice.”
She acknowledged the courage and perseverance shown by the students and offered words of encouragement:
“That spirit of adventure and the willingness to embrace the unknown has prepared you for a world that is changing faster than ever before… May your journey ahead be as bright as your potential,” she said. “I congratulate you!”
Keynote speaker Ms. Tyeisha Emmanuel, a youth advocate, encouraged the class to remain focused despite challenges: “You will hear more ‘nos’ than ‘yeses’. Doors will be shut in your faces, but several will open. You will see stars aligning; so always remember that you are not too young to lead, you are not too young to rise and you are not too young to matter. And when people count you out, God counts you in.”
Additional remarks were shared by Principal Mr. Trevor Hodge, followed by the presentation of certificates and special awards.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony was a video featuring Hannah Gumbs, a physically challenged graduand who shared her journey of overcoming adversity. Her strength and determination deeply resonated with the audience, showcasing her will to strive and thrive despite the odds.
Another standout moment was a performance of “Goodness of God” by graduand Sharvin Narine, who played the piece on the steel pan in reggae rhythm, adding a distinct cultural note to the event.
The Farewell Address was delivered by outstanding graduand Abigail Campbell, who reflected on the class’s shared experiences: “To describe us, the Class of 2025, as being ‘resilient’ would be an understatement. Over the past five years, we have navigated many challenges that no one could have predicted. We faced a pandemic that disrupted our learning, we experienced school closures and many moments of uncertainty, and we have endured the heartbreaking losses of some of our friends and peers.”
Pausing for a moment to honour those lost to violence she continued: “My fellow graduates, over the past five years we have grown not only in knowledge but in character. We have evolved into more mature and resilient versions of ourselves. As we transition in our next chapters of life, let us carry the lessons we have learnt with us…”
She closed by thanking parents and teachers for their patience, dedication, and support, and wished her classmates continued success.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks by graduand Jernai Weeks, ending the event on a heartfelt note of gratitude.
