Barbuda’s Holy Trinity Primary School has marked a milestone for its 2026 Grade 6 cohort, gathering students, families, educators and community leaders to celebrate the completion of primary education and send graduates off to secondary school with messages of purpose, collaboration, and self-belief. Under the event’s theme “Be the Best You Can Be: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow,” the ceremony didn’t only honor academic excellence — it also shined a spotlight on exceptional leadership, strong citizenship, and remarkable personal growth across the graduating class.
Guest speaker Ezekiel Francois, who holds dual roles as President of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Parliament and President of the Barbuda Youth Council, delivered the keynote charge to graduates, drawing on his own experience as an alumnus of Holy Trinity Primary to frame his message. Francois emphasized that sustained student success is never the work of a single group: it relies on three interconnected pillars — the drive of graduates themselves, the dedication of parents, and the commitment of the wider community. To nurture the next generation of leaders, he argued, local stakeholders must set aside their differences and align around a shared goal of helping every student reach their full potential. Addressing the widespread imposter syndrome that can affect small-island students moving into larger secondary education systems, Francois reminded the cohort that their Barbuda roots do not make them less capable than peers anywhere in the world, urging them to carry unshakable confidence into every new opportunity.
Before the keynote, school administration reflected on the 2025-2026 academic year, highlighting a diverse range of extracurricular and developmental opportunities that shaped the cohort’s experience. Students took part in meaningful Black History Month programming, competitive interschool sports events, structured youth leadership programs, and immersive educational field trips that extended learning beyond classroom walls. Administrators praised the hard work of the school’s teaching team, support staff, and parent body for helping students navigate the unique challenges of the final year of primary education, and encouraged graduates to hold fast to their values, maintain a strong work ethic, and embrace confidence as they transition to the next stage of their academic careers.
Grade 6 lead teacher Karianna Baltimore echoed that praise, highlighting the cohort’s consistent determination throughout the academic year. She reported that the vast majority of graduates earned Level One or Level Two scores on the national Grade 6 assessment, a testament to their consistent effort. Baltimore also recognized one exceptional Spanish-speaking graduate who entered Grade 6 with limited English proficiency but refused to let language barriers slow his progress. Honoring the student with a special award for perseverance, she noted that his grit throughout the year set a powerful example for his entire class.
Student speakers also shared heartfelt perspectives on their journey. Valedictorian Seth Jacobs, named the cohort’s most outstanding overall student, opened his address by thanking God, his family, and his teachers for the steady support that allowed him to thrive. He left his classmates with a clear mantra: even when faced with obstacles, hard work, consistent determination, and unwavering self-belief are the keys to unlocking long-term success. Salutatorian Akari Thomas delivered the ceremony’s vote of thanks, extending gratitude to school staff, local sponsors, donors, and community members whose contributions made both the academic year and the graduation celebration possible. She encouraged her peers to stay focused on their goals as they adjust to the demands of secondary school.
Beyond the speeches, the ceremony featured a full awards program recognizing a wide range of achievements. In addition to naming Jacobs as valedictorian and Thomas as salutatorian, organizers awarded academic subject prizes, leadership honors, and citizenship awards to standout students. Liani Burton received the coveted Citizenship Award, Tyrese Joyce was recognized as the cohort’s Most Improved Student, and Azara John took home the Leadership Award. The event closed with a formal prayer for the graduates, asking for guidance and protection as they prepare to begin their secondary education journeys.