For parents, it was one of those moments that seems to arrive in the blink of an eye.
One minute they were holding tiny hands on a nervous first day of kindergarten; the next, they were sitting proudly in the pews of the Mount Fortune Seventh Day Adventist Church watching those same children prepare to leave primary school behind and take their first steps towards secondary education.
On Wednesday, 24th June 2026, the Orealia Kelly Primary School (OKPS) Class of 2026 gathered with teachers, family members, education officials, friends and supporters to celebrate their graduation under the theme, “Keeping Our Claws Sharp and Our Dreams Within Reach”.
Opening the ceremony, Principal Electra Buddle reflected on what she described as a remarkable first year leading the school, while paying tribute to the many individuals and organisations that helped support the students’ journey.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I do believe it takes a deeply committed community to launch a graduate,” she told the audience.
She offered special thanks to sponsors and community partners whose contributions helped provide resources, technology and opportunities for students throughout the academic year.
Addressing the graduates directly, Buddle encouraged them to remember the people who helped them reach this milestone.
Former OKPS student and the school’s 2004 valedictorian, Kellva Fleming returned to address the new generation of graduates, creating a full-circle moment.
Standing where she once dreamed of her own future, Fleming shared an honest account of the challenges she faced after leaving primary school. She admitted that as a young student she believed life would unfold exactly as planned, only to discover that setbacks, self-doubt and unexpected obstacles are often part of the journey.
“Setbacks do not define us; they prepare us,” she said.
Now holding a Master’s degree in speech-language pathology, Fleming explained that her success did not come from perfection but from perseverance.
“Every challenge taught me resilience…every disappointment taught me perseverance. Life is not about everything going according to plan. It’s about learning how to pivot when the plan changes.”
Her message resonated not only with the graduates but also with parents and teachers who know all too well that life’s path is rarely straightforward.
The most anticipated moments of the ceremony came with the presentation of certificates to the graduating class. One by one, the 52 graduates made their way across the stage to receive their certificates, each name greeted with enthusiastic applause, cheers and proud calls from family members and friends gathered in support. It was a visible reminder of just how far their children had come since their first days in the classroom.
The graduating class was represented by Mordecai Connor, this year’s valedictorian and the school’s top performer in the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA). He was joined in academic distinction by the school’s two salutatorians, Adjoa Carty and Nya Kentish, whose achievements were also celebrated during the ceremony. Introduced by 2025 valedictorian Genesis Harrigan, Connor delivered a thoughtful speech centred on growth, gratitude and responsibility.
Using the image of a seed requiring nourishment in order to flourish, he compared students to seeds and teachers to gardeners who cultivate their potential.
On behalf of the graduating class, he expressed heartfelt appreciation to teachers for the academic, moral and spiritual guidance they provided throughout the years.
Reflecting on the theme, Connor encouraged his fellow graduates to avoid complacency as they move into the next stage of their educational journeys.
“Big goals are not just a fantasy. They are, in fact, within our reach,” he said.
The young valedictorian also recognised the support of parents, guardians and community members who helped shape the students into who they are today.
“We could not have done it without you. We hope that we have done you proud.”
Connor concluded by challenging his classmates to become positive forces within society, helping those in need and working towards safer, stronger communities.
The ceremony also showcased the talents and spirit of the graduating class through an inspiring performance of “I Will Not Give Up!” – perfectly capturing the determination and perseverance highlighted throughout the afternoon’s programme.
Following the performance, Pastor Phillip Gumbs offered a special blessing over the graduates as they prepare to enter high school. He prayed for their protection, success and continued focus, asking that they remain steadfast in their values and avoid negative influences.
Parents were also invited to join in the prayer, publicly committing to support their children’s academic pursuits, sporting activities and personal development while continuing to provide guidance and positive examples at home.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the graduates were guided by Teacher Sabrina Boodram through the symbolic turning of the tassels, officially marking their transition from primary school students to members of the Orealia Kelly Primary School Class of 2026.
The graduation ceremony – the first among the primary schools to be held – was another reminder that the future of Anguilla is already taking shape in classrooms across the island — one sharp mind, one big dream and one determined young person at a time.
By Janissa Fleming
