On Tuesday June 30th, the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in Island Harbour became the second primary school to hold its annual graduation, preceded by the Orealia Kelly Primary which held its commencement exercise the week before.
At Vivien Vanterpool, nine students graduated under the theme “Building Resilience, Bound for Success”.
The event marked a significant milestone in the lives of the students as they completed their primary education and prepared to begin the next chapter of their academic journey.
The ceremony brought together parents, teachers, family members, friends, and invited guests to honour the achievements of the graduating class. Filled with joy, pride and celebration, the occasion reflected the school’s commitment to academic excellence, character development and community spirit.
Throughout the programme, graduates showcased their talents through songs, speeches and special presentations. Their confidence and enthusiasm highlighted the growth they had experienced during their years at the Vivien Vanterpool Primary.
Teachers and school leaders commended the students for their hard work, determination and resilience, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence as they transition to the new chapter at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School.
Graduates were congratulated on reaching this important milestone. Thanks were extended to parents, teachers and the wider community for their unwavering support. Students were reminded that success is built on dedication, perseverance and respect for others. They were urged to move forward with confidence.
The Keynote Address was delivered by a past student of the school, Tyjanique Supersaud. She emphasized that success does not happen overnight, but in correspondence with the theme, success is the results of a building process that takes place one step at a time.
Special awards were presented to students who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership, good citizenship, sportsmanship and excellence in various subject areas.
The valedictorian, Shawn Richardson, delivered a stirring speech, reflecting on cherished memories, lifelong friendships and valuable lessons learned throughout his years at the school. In addition, he expressed gratitude to his teachers, parents and classmates for their encouragement and support.
As the graduates proudly received their certificates, there was a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future. While saying farewell to their primary school years, they looked forward to new challenges and opportunities that await them in secondary education.
Cornaijah L. M. Mathurine
The salutatorian, Cornaijah Mathurine, presented the Vote of Thanks. She expressed gratitude to God, first of all, “for His abundant blessings and unwavering love”. She also thanked the Pastor/Counselor, Mr. Grant, for his prayers, as well as the Principal, teachers and parents for their guidance and support throughout the years.
The graduation ceremony concluded with words of appreciation, musical selections and a final celebration of the Class of 2026. It was a memorable occasion that recognized not only academic success but also the character, determination and promise of each graduate.
By: James R. Harrigan
