ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Errolyn Tonge has been named the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus’ top matriculant for 2026, representing a record incoming class of 587 students.

Tonge received the distinction during the campus’ matriculation ceremony, where she was selected to sign the matriculation register on behalf of the incoming cohort.

Registrar Dr. Camille Samuel, who introduced Tonge during the ceremony, described her story as “one of curiosity, perseverance, persistence and purpose.”

“Born and raised in St. Paul in Antigua by two entrepreneurial parents, Errolyn developed an inquisitive mind and a natural curiosity about how things work,” Samuel said.

She said those qualities have helped shape Tonge’s academic achievements and her journey so far.

Samuel said Tonge distinguished herself while attending Antigua Girls’ High School, where she achieved an impressive number of CSEC passes and received national recognition for her academic performance.

“At Antigua Girls High School, Errolyn distinguished herself as an outstanding student, securing an impressive complement of CSEC passes, earning recognition at the national level for her accomplishments,” Samuel said.

Tonge continued her education at Antigua State College, where Samuel said she “pursued advanced studies and graduated with high honors after securing yet another set of strong passes.”

Samuel said Tonge’s record demonstrated not only intellectual ability but also “the discipline, consistency and determination that would characterize everything that she did thereafter.”

Although Tonge’s early academic studies were concentrated in the natural sciences, Samuel said her interests eventually broadened into strategic business, operations, product development and digital systems.

Tonge also sought professional experience while pursuing her education, working in areas including customer service, legal administration and digital operations.

“In each environment, Errolyn distinguished herself through initiative, reliability under pressure, and an ability to apply practical solutions to solve problems,” Samuel said.

She added that Tonge developed a reputation as a top performer who did more than simply complete the work assigned to her.

“She earned a reputation as a top performer who did not simply complete the work before her, but sought to understand how these processes could be improved,” Samuel said.

Samuel also gave those attending the ceremony a glimpse into Tonge’s life outside academics and work.

“She is a quiet strategist who enjoys gaming. She loves to crochet. She loves exploring new technology systems,” Samuel said.

She added that Tonge values balance, personal connections and spending time with her family.

Tonge is now enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Management program in the School of Business and Management at UWI Five Islands.

Samuel said Tonge intends to combine her analytical skills, professional experience and interest in technology as she pursues her career.

“She aspires to lead technologically driven initiatives and contribute meaningfully to the digital growth of Antigua and Barbuda,” Samuel said.

Samuel told the audience that Tonge’s journey demonstrates the importance of curiosity and a willingness to turn knowledge into action.

“Errolyn’s journey reminds us that curiosity is more than just a desire to know, it is the courage to ask why, the discipline to discover how and the determination to use what we learn to create something new and something better,” Samuel said.

Tonge was then invited to the stage to sign the matriculation register on behalf of the incoming class, a tradition in which the year’s top matriculant symbolically represents the new cohort and its commitment to the university’s academic principles and pursuit of excellence.

The distinction comes in a record year for UWI Five Islands. Earlier in the ceremony, Samuel announced that the campus had welcomed 587 new students — its highest intake to date.

“We have hit the highest intake ever at 587 new students,” Samuel said.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Errolyn Tonge Named UWI Five Islands’ Top Matriculant for 2026.