BRILLIANCE UNDERSCORED AS INNOVATION, ENTERTAINMENT FILL CEREMONY AS 49 STUDENTS GRADUATE
Ocho Rios, St Ann; July 1, 2026
Liberty Learning Centre Tower Isle St Mary celebrated the achievements of their Grade 6 students in the PEP at a graduation ceremony with unique and innovative features at Ocho Rios Baptist Church, St Ann, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The 49 students who sat the PEP were placed mainly at traditional high schools in St Ann and St Mary, with others at Jamaica College, Ardenne High and Wolmer’s School for Boys in the Corporate Area.
(The Class of 2026 delivering their rendition of ‘I’ll Always Remember You’.)
In Mathematics, five (5) students scored at the developing stage and 44 at proficient and highly proficient. In Language Arts, all 49 students were at proficient or highly proficient. The data from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information showed that LLC’s performance was far better than the regional and national averages for Math and Language Arts.
(Senior teacher Sasha Dennis makes a presentation to Most Outstanding PEP student, outgoing Head Boy Ethan Hudson, and at right, to Outgoing Head Girl, Khaleah Henry.
The graduation, celebrated under the theme “Prepared, Purposed Ready,” was also a showcase of song, dance, and drumming from a school that gives high priority to the performing arts and cultural development.
(Michelle Black and Alex Wisdom, performing ‘Simply the Best’ dedicated to the graduation class)
It started with students doing a slow entry march to ‘Moon River ‘, then well-delivered solos by Michelle Black and Alex Welcome, who also joined for a duet ‘Simply the Best’. Students kept the audience impressed, with an item from Matthew Rhule and a dynamic drumming exhibition under the direction of Keino Barnett before dance teachers Moya Dale and Shavaughn Byndloss took to the stage with grace and skill.
Rev Dr Colin Cowan did the prayer.
(Some of the gentlemen from the LLC Class of 2026 at the graduation dinner, at Unicorn Cove, Boscobel, St. Mary.)
Chairman of the Board Carlyn Stewart said, “Today is a culmination of consistent effort over the years” and an important milestone for the students and school. “It is a day filled with joy, accomplishment and anticipation of the future,” she said, and encouraged families and the parents of each child graduating to celebrate.
(Delivering the Valedictory Address, from left: Kristoff Morris, Khaleah Henry, Ethan Hudson and Declan Douglas, at the podium)
The valedictory address was given by Khaleah Henry, Ethan Hudson, Declan Douglas and Kristoff Morris with drumming for effect. The valedictorians simulated a court scene with the school and its leadership being charged with a variety of good offences. These included exposing the students to culture – speech, drama, dance, and drumming- and ensuring achievements there. The guilty verdict was extended to the ancillary and administrative staff, too. In the end, Principal Rosemarie Brent Harris, Executive Director Audette Isaacs, and their team were all found “guilty” of manifesting “Unconditional love and producing a remarkable graduation class.”
The “court” of students also found them
*Guilty of inspiring young minds, and
*Guilty of building character in the students.
And the “court” also found that the LLC “will continue changing lives for years to come.”
(Khaleigh Allen presents tokens of appreciation to guest speaker, Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary Francis, after Daviah Bailey, right, said thanks)
The school report was read by graduating student Sweeden Gallaway.
(Sweeden Gallaway delivering the Principal’s Report. In photo at right, the welcome is given by Peyton Smith, Kiana Moody and Aljenna Scott)
A former student at the school, medical doctor Shavonese Shirley, in her charge to the graduates, told them that she was once like them, having completed the school-leaving exam and having an unknown future before her. Dr Shirley said she, like they, was prepared by LLC to take on the big decisions and perform well.
(Dr Shavonese Shirley, past student of LLC, delivering the charge to graduates)
She encouraged them to “honour those before you who supported you; carry those beside you and help those behind you.”
The guest speaker was Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gary Francis. He told the graduates that the day was not just about a ceremony but that they were “standing on the edge of possibilities.” He encouraged them to acknowledge they had “made it.” High school awaits, ACP Francis said. There, he said, they would have more freedom, more independence, more responsibility, and more accountability.
(Most Outstanding Track & Field athlete, Lenessa Whyte, receiving her award from Coach Javan Parchment)
D’Anton Thorpe introduced the guest speaker, and a presentation was made to ACP Francis by Daviah Bailey and Khaleigh Allen.
Jayden Edwards and Za’niya Smallhorne did the vote of thanks.
Here is a look as the graduates departed Ocho Rios Baptist Church:
