Graduates of Holy Trinity Primary School were encouraged to pursue excellence and rely on the continued support of their families and community as they marked the end of their primary education during the school’s 2026 graduation ceremony.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the Grade 6 class under the theme, “Be the Best You Can Be: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow,” while recognizing outstanding academic, leadership and citizenship accomplishments.

Delivering the charge to graduates, Antigua and Barbuda Youth Parliament President and Barbuda Youth Council President Ezekiel Francois said success depends not only on the determination of students but also on the commitment of parents and the wider community.

“I think it takes those three main factors,” Francois said, referring to graduates, parents and the community. “We have to come together to ensure that if we want these students to be the best that they can be, we have to put aside our differences.”

Drawing on his own experience as a former Holy Trinity Primary student, Francois encouraged the graduates to remain confident regardless of where they continue their education.

“Not because you guys are from Barbuda doesn’t mean you’re any different or any lesser than anybody anywhere around the world,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs. Francois reflected on the school’s academic year, highlighting students’ participation in Black History Month activities, sports competitions, leadership programmes and educational field trips. She praised teachers, staff and parents for helping students overcome challenges and urged graduates to remain faithful, hardworking and confident as they transition to secondary school.

Teacher Karianna Baltimore commended the class for its determination, noting that most students achieved Level One and Level Two national assessment results. She singled out one Spanish-speaking student who entered Grade 6 with little English but persevered throughout the year.

“He did not give up. He persevered. He pushed through,” Baltimore said as she presented the student with a special award recognizing his determination.

Valedictorian Seth Jacobs thanked God, his parents and teachers for supporting him throughout primary school and encouraged his classmates to continue believing in themselves.

“Hard work, determination, and self-belief, even in the face of difficulty, are the keys to success,” Jacobs told fellow graduates.

Salutatorian Akari Thomas expressed gratitude to the school’s staff, sponsors, donors and community members during the vote of thanks, acknowledging their contributions to the graduates’ success and encouraging classmates to remain focused as they begin secondary school.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of academic awards, subject prizes, leadership and citizenship awards, and recognition of the school’s top performers in the Grade 6 National Assessment. Jacobs was named valedictorian and received the award for the most outstanding student, while Thomas earned salutatorian honours. Liani Burton received the Citizenship Award, Tyrese Joyce was named Most Improved Student, and Azara John received the Leadership Award.

The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the graduates as they prepare to begin the next stage of their education at secondary school.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Holy Trinity Primary Graduates Urged to Aim High as Community Pledges Continued Support.