The 2026 graduating class of Hilda Skeene Primary School was encouraged to dream fearlessly, remain resilient and work tirelessly towards achieving their goals during the school’s graduation ceremony at The Crane Resort, St Philip on Friday.
The ceremony, held under the theme Nothing is Impossible for Those Who Dare to Dream, celebrated the achievements of 52 students as they prepared to transition to secondary school, while speakers reminded them that success would depend not only on academic ability but also on determination, courage and character.
Principal Wayne Bryan told graduates that the theme reflected the journey they had already undertaken.
“Our theme this year … is not just a slogan. It is a truth that you have lived. You dared to dream. But more importantly, you backed those dreams with effort, courage and determination.”
Highlighting the school’s academic performance, Bryan revealed that mathematics remained a major strength for the graduating class:
“We saw 11 students achieving 90 per cent and above, including one outstanding student who attained a perfect score of 100 per cent.”
He added that while mathematics exceeded the national mean, English continued to present challenges.
“The data also shows that several students… fell within the 50 to 60 per cent range. This tells us something important… there is still work to be done, particularly in areas such as writing, interpretation and expression. And this is not a weakness. It is an opportunity.”
Bryan reminded students that their secondary school placement would not determine their future:
“What matters most is not just where you are placed, but what you do when you get there.”
He also praised the school’s achievements beyond the classroom, noting success in track and field, cross-country, football, netball and other co-curricular programmes, while appealing for greater community support to help expand school initiatives, including plans to re-establish the school farm and steelpan orchestra.
Addressing the graduates, St Philip North MP Dr Sonia Browne encouraged them to remain focused despite setbacks.
“Your circumstances do not determine your future. Your determination does.”
She urged the students not to fear failure.
“Failure is not the opposite of success. It is often a part of the journey… every setback teaches us valuable lessons that prepare us for even greater achievements.”
As they prepare for secondary school, Browne advised them to continue learning.
“Remain curious. Ask questions. Read, read, read widely. Respect your teachers. Support your classmates. Show kindness wherever you go. Because intelligence will open doors, but character will determine how far you go.”
Guest speaker Reverend Elsworth Howell challenged graduates to pursue ambitious goals despite obstacles.
“Dream big. Not small, not safe, not ordinary. Dream the kind of dreams that make your heart beat faster. The kind of dreams that make you excited to wake up in the morning.”
He reminded them that every major achievement began as an idea.
“Everything around you, every invention, every building, every piece of technology started with a dream.”
Using basketball legend Michael Jordan as an example, Rev Howell encouraged the students to persevere when faced with disappointment.
“Your dream does not have to be easy. It just has to be yours and you need to own it.”
He also appealed to parents to continue creating supportive environments for their children, saying, “Creating the right environment for your children is critical to their success.”
Earlier in the ceremony, physical education teacher Cerren Griffith described graduation as more than an academic achievement.
“Graduation is more than a milestone. It is a bridge. On one side lies the laughter, lessons and challenges of growing through primary school. On the other side awaits the exciting journey of secondary school, filled with new opportunities and responsibilities.”
He encouraged students to remember that “success is not just measured by grades, but by kindness, curiosity and the courage to face your fears.”
Delivering the valedictory address, Head Boy and recipient of multiple awards, Josiah Gibson, reflected on the graduating class’ journey from Reception to Class Four.
Head Boy Josiah Gibson and Reshanna Holder received the Principal’s Award presented by the principal of Hilda Skeene Primary School Wayne Bryan. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)
“We’ve all grown differently, and as we split away from each other, we shall continue to grow. Primary school was a necessary stepping stone that I was lucky enough to share with you all.”
He encouraged his classmates to embrace the next chapter of their lives.
“We must not allow ourselves to freeze in fear. Let’s instead embrace change and think about the new opportunities that can come.”
Gibson concluded: “Wherever you go, we must remember our school’s motto: ‘Only the best is good enough.’”
Gibson also shared the Principal’s award with Reshanna Holder.
The graduation ceremony also heard musical performances. Josiah Gibson sang Heal the World. Encouraging his parents, Rev Howell said: “I have never seen a child this age with such a polished performance of a song like that… This boy is going places.”
Trimel Norville sang “Die with a Smile” as a dedication to his classmates.
The audience was entertained by the two former junior calypso competitors, Ky and Kyle Bishop, who sang their song Obey, which they said was “for all the children that don’t obey in my classroom and all the other classrooms”.
(LE)
