Joy, expectation, hope and aspiration were the key elements that lightened the spirits of 172 students of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, as they savored the moments of their graduation on the afternoon of Monday, June 29th, 2026 at the Mount Fortune Seventh-day Adventist Church.
While last year’s theme was “Success Through Adventures, Resilience and Sacrifice (STARS), this year’s creative theme also spoke of success, with the acronym being “GEMS: Goals Emerging from a Mindset of Success”. Without reservation of any kind, the school’s faculty praised the successful efforts and accomplishments of the studious achievers.
Strutting down the aisle to the sound of pomp and ceremony, the graduands were led to their positions by flag- bearing Pathfinders from the church. While the graduands took their assigned seats in reserved front pews, the faculty occupied the choir loft.
Prayer was offered by School’s Counselor, Dr. Samuel Daniel, and a warm welcome by Technology Teacher, Carlington Dennis, who also introduced Ms. Janel Anthony, the Chairlady for the event.
Taking to the podium, Ms. Anthony readily complimented the graduands: “You have grown into gems,” she said. “You have achieved, you aspired, and you have developed into remarkable young men and young women. Your graduation theme today perfectly reflects your journey. Like precious gems, each of you have been shaped and refined through your dedication, perseverance, and determination.”
“Your success today is not simply the results of reaching a goal,” she observed, “but of developing a mindset to overcome obstacles. Now you ought to embrace opportunities and believe in your own potential. Today, we celebrate your accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead. So, pursue your goals with purpose and let your unique brilliance shine wherever life leads you.”
Congratulatory remarks were delivered by the Honourable Minister of Education, Mrs. Shellya Rogers-Webster, who heartily encouraged the graduands and reminded them that their graduation provides a chance for them to explore new opportunities that are filled with promise.
“It is indeed a privilege to extend heartfelt congratulations to each of you,” she said. “Today is not simply the end of your secondary school journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter of your lives that is filled with opportunity, responsibility and promise. Your graduation theme is both timely and inspiring…”
“As you step into the future,” she continued, “do not be afraid to set ambitious goals. Some of you will become educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, public servants, leaders, and skilled tradesmen, but whatever path you may choose, pursue it with excellence humility and purpose. Let your character shine even brighter than your accomplishments…”
“Graduands, remember that you will always represent the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School in the beautiful island of Anguilla,” the Minister charged. So carry yourselves with pride, passion, compassion and confidence…
“May you continue to discover the gems within yourselves. Pursue your goals with determination, and embrace every opportunity with a mindset of success. My God bless each of you, and may he guide your steps as your journey continues toward a brighter and more fulfilling future. Congratulations once again!” the Minister hailed.
The Keynote Address was presented by Mr. Joshua Gumbs, a young Christian advocate, teacher, musician, culinary professional, and son of Anguilla’s renowned Pastor Phillip Gumbs. He titled his motivational message “The Greatest Success – Living a Life that Counts”.
“Great Success is measured by the collective decisions that you make in this life. Life’s success is not simply about accomplishing one or two major goals or milestones. It is about ‘living a life that counts’ even after you would have left this world,” he said in part.
“It is a good thing to have great ambitions and to set rewarding goals,” Mr. Gumbs admonished, “but ultimately in life you will have one important decision to make, considering that the life which you now have is the only one that you will ever have in which to make that decision – that decision is to ‘make your life count’. The greatest success in life is tied to whatever you decide to do from today going forward, in order to ‘make your life count…”
“In order to make your life count you must know what your individual purpose is,” he said. “Each one’s purpose is different to each other’s. The way in which you can achieve your greatest success and ‘make your life count’ is to realize what your purpose is in this life…”
Following the presentation of Certificates and Awards, Principal, Dr. Trevor Hodge, also motivated the graduands. His address to the Graduating Class of 2026 was conveyed in the form of a letter, which reads in part.
“My Dear Graduates: As we celebrate your achievements today, I want to leave with you one final challenge. Do not allow today to become the greatest day in your lives. Instead, let it be the foundation upon which you build an even greater future.
“Your theme reminds us that success is never accidental. It begins in your mind long before it is seen in your achievements. Every great accomplishment starts with the decision to believe that something greater is possible…
“Remember success is not a destination, but it is a mindset that you choose every single day. Choose hope over fear; choose perseverance over excuses; choose excellence over mediocrity.
Graduates, you will leave here not just with certificates but with unlimited potential. The world does not need ordinary, but it needs your ideas, your talents, your courage, and your leadership. So go forward with confidence. Let your goals emerge from a mindset of success. And may your lives so shine with the brilliance of the precious gems that God created you to be. Congratulations Class of 2026. Your future now begins.”
At this juncture, the Principal invited the graduates to stand and turn their tassels as he presented the Class. “You are now the official graduates of the Class of 2026 of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School,” he proudly announced.
The most outstanding student in academic performance was Graduate Christen Fleming. She attained awards for her exceptional performance in English B, Mathematics, French, Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Information Technology, Music and Physical Education. Besides, Christen had been named as a consistent top achiever in CSEC examinations taken under the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC). She was therefore assigned to present the Farewell Address.
“It is a great honour to stand here to speak on behalf of my fellow graduates, the Gems of 2026,” she said. “On September 6th 2021, I don’t think none of us could have fully imagined what this journey would have looked like. Whether it was taking the responsibility to show up for class and stay awake, or turning on cameras with our school shirts barely concealing what we wore to bed, virtual learning from home due to COVID-19 had become a challenge. But [like a butterfly destined to emerge from a cocoon], we were just beginning to hatch for our secondary life cycle.”
“Our physical entry at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School and the path to this day of success started with a few extra friends who were determined to challenge us. Who were these friends, you might ask? They were masks, hand sanitizers, and the one which our parents hated the most – the shift system.
But through all,” she reflected, “we learned to adapt, consumed knowledge and grew while leaning on each other and our weary teachers’ shoulders…”
“Gems, today is a testament that we are capable; we are determined; we are dynamic. Class of 2026, take a bow,” she said. “We made it this far and I know that you are excited. Our theme, ‘Goals Emerging from a Mindset of Success’, speaks to closing this chapter triumphantly and building upon this milestone of our academic journey…”
After thanking the parents, faculty and the many others who had played a role in helping the Class to achieve their success, Christen said: “But more importantly, we give God the thanks and praise for carrying us through this journey as a Class, never forgetting that it is He who has brought us here in the first place…
“…Learning continues as each of us takes our unique paths,” she remarked. “No Matter where life takes you, know that our transformation from the humble pupa stage to full-blown butterflies makes us more that equipped as we glide to new heights and horizons. Congratulations and fly high, Class of 2026.”
Throughout the course of the event, musical renditions were presented by the School Band and Choir, a select group of graduates and the School’s Steel Orchestra.
Prior to the rousing recessional, the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Graduate Ephraim Hughes-Hodge. An atmosphere of delightful glee and joyous conversations enveloped the sanctuary as the auspicious event came to an end.
