20 GRADUATE FROM PRIMARY DEPT AS PEP TEACHER ALSO CHEERED
ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann; July 3, 2026
On a day when Mt Zion Primary and Infant School, St Ann, celebrated the graduation of 20 students, some of the biggest cheers were in appreciation of the work of Principal Jacqueline Brown and Grade 6 teacher Michelle Thomas.
The graduation ceremony at Mt Zion Baptist Church on June 30, 2026, marked a farewell for 20 Grade 6 PEP students and recognition of the transition of 15 Infants to the school’s Primary Department.
(Rowmar Walters, top boy, and Cortenay Richards, top girl, pose for the North Coast Times)
The school also recognized Ms Brown for her 42 years of service there, 17 of them as Principal, as she goes on pre-retirement leave. There was a special moment when teacher Gregisha Grey escorted Ms Brown to the podium, describing her qualities, as loud cheers rang out.
(Students from the Infant Department at Mt Zion perform at the ceremony, marking their transition to the Primary Department)
A similar moment of appreciation was expressed to Grade 6 teacher Michelle Thomas, who continues to dedicate weekends and out-of-school hours to the PEP students. She remains at the school.
(Jacqueline Bown, retiring Principal, receives a plaque from teachers at the school, presented by Gregisha Grey)
This year, the top boy was Rowmar Walters, and the top girl Cortenay Richards. Rowmar, placed at Fencourt High, and Cortenay placed at York Castle High were the valedictorians.
Recognized for perfect attendance were Ariana Williams, Cortenay Richards, Ranaldo McKenzie and Kayson Crooks.
Most Improved were Ariana Williams, Romeka Dyer and Natalee James.
Most helpful: Romeka Dyer and Sanoya Davis
Top PEP student in, subjects tested were: Mathematics – Rowmar Walters and Ranaldo McKenzie; Ability Test- Rowmar Walters and Language Arts- Moya Coore
(Guest Speaker Sonnel Nembhard addresses the gathering)
Greetings came from Chairman Franklin McKnight; Education Officer Romane Thomas, and PTA President Ann Marie Christie. There were several cash awards for top performers. MP Krystal Lee provided cash for the top-performing boy and girl.
Among the guests was Councillor Claudette Brown.
The emcee was Jeneva Jarrett. Bishop Barron Simmonds did the devotion.
(Education Officer Romane Thomas brings greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information. In the photo at right, Tiffany Frater presents a certificate to Maleah Sherwood. In the background is D Davis, teacher).
The guest speaker was a past student and banker, Sonnel Nembhard, now living in the United States. Delivering an address to the Infant pupils was educator Tiffany Frater. Ms D Davis introduced the guest speaker and participated in the presentation of certificates and prizes.
Malachi Francis and Kayson Crooks gave the vote of thanks.
