For 38 young students of the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School (ATHPS), Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, was more than the end of primary school. It was the beginning of a new chapter built on years of learning, friendship, perseverance and the quiet confidence that comes from believing in both themselves and their future.
Inside the Christian Fellowship Church filled with proud parents, relatives, teachers and friends, the Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation under the theme, “Empowered by Faith: Driven by Dreams.” The ceremony blended heartfelt reflection with hopeful anticipation as students prepared to leave familiar classrooms behind and take their next steps into secondary school.
The afternoon was opened by Salutatorian Santino Turner, who welcomed guests while reflecting on a journey that had been shaped not only by academic lessons, but by shared experiences and lasting friendships.
“Today marks the culmination of years of learning, growth and unforgettable memories,” he said. “Together, we have shared countless experiences, built lasting friendships and learned lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.”
Encouraging his classmates to move confidently into the future, Turner reminded them that success is measured by far more than achievements.
“Let us dream boldly, remain steadfast in our faith and embrace every opportunity that lies ahead. Remember that success is not determined solely by the heights we reach, but also the character we display, the kindness we show and the positive impact we make in the lives of others.”
Adding a personal touch to the celebration was keynote speaker Jayda Romney, a former Adrian T. Hazell Primary student, who returned to the school where her own educational journey began.
Speaking with humour and nostalgia, Romney recalled the excitement of graduation day, from carefully chosen hairstyles to the endless photographs that come with such milestones. She reflected warmly on the teachers who made learning memorable and reminded graduates that school is about much more than report cards.
“A school is a family, learning, working and growing together,” she said.
As the graduates prepare to enter secondary school, Romney acknowledged that while excitement often takes centre stage, uncertainty is equally natural.
“I remember leaving primary school and wondering what secondary school would be like. Would I make friends? Would the work be harder? Would I find my classes?” she recalled, joking that “getting lost at Campus B during your first few days is almost unavoidable.”
Using the ceremony’s theme as the foundation of her address, Romney urged students to trust both their faith and their ambitions.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” she said, quoting Eleanor Roosevelt. “It’s easier to have a dream than it is to make the dream come true, but dream anyway.”
She also encouraged students to embrace hard work and kindness as they navigate the years ahead.
Valedictorian Ashe Banks in her speech reflected on how much she had grown since nervously entering primary school for the first time, describing Adrian T. Hazell Primary as a place where she discovered confidence, built friendships and learned lessons that reached well beyond textbooks.
Among the most meaningful lessons she shared was one taught by her father through a simple daily affirmation.
“Don’t push for it, work for it.”
Those words, she explained, became a reminder that “success doesn’t come from wishing, it comes from effort, discipline and giving your best every single day.”
Banks spoke candidly about overcoming moments of self-doubt, describing perseverance and consistency as qualities that mattered more than perfection. She also revealed her own aspirations of one day becoming both a dermatologist and an aesthetician, using her love of science to help others feel confident in themselves.
To her fellow graduates, she offered one final piece of encouragement.
“Believe in yourself. Always do your best. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because every mistake teaches you something new. Keep trying, keep learning and never give up on your dreams.”
As each of the 38 graduates crossed the stage to receive diplomas and special awards, loud cheers and applause echoed throughout the church from families celebrating years of sacrifice, encouragement and support. It culminated in the students performing their graduation song, We Made It Through, embodying the years of hard work and perseverance that brought them to where they are now.
In presenting the graduating class, Mrs. Jacqueline Fleming-Hodge officially welcomed the students as the school’s newest alumni, encouraging them to continue living by the values that had guided their primary school years.
Rather than quietly filing out, the graduates danced, moonwalked and celebrated their way down the aisle to the aptly chosen song Joy Overflow, leaving behind laughter, applause and more than a few emotional smiles.
It was a joyful ending to one chapter and an energetic beginning to the next — one that captured the spirit of a class leaving primary school exactly as they entered it years ago: full of promise, personality and dreams waiting to be realised.
By Janissa Fleming.
