REPORT OUTLINES ACHIEVEMENTS IN ACADEMICS, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
HIGHGATE, St Mary; July 3, 2025
Acting Principal of St Mary High School, Major Christine Wright, lauded the graduating class of 2025 as she described the celebration of achievement as one of resilience and legacy.
Delivering the Principal’s Report for the academic year 2024-25, she said the graduates had soared after facing the seen and unseen of COVID-19.
(Acing Principal Major Christine Wright)
One hundred and seventy-eight students from six fifth form groups made up the graduating class at the ceremony at the school grounds, Highgate, St Mary, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Guest speaker was President of the Court of Appeal Justice Marva McDonald Bishop. AIM FOR EXCELLENCE — ST MARY HIGH GRADS TOLD
(Sydena Ricketts and Sherene Ramdon introducing Board Chairman Derrick Thompson who chaired the graduation)
“You were punched to the left by online teaching and poor connectivity, but you soared. You were punched to the right by restricted socialization, but you soared. On your return to school, you faced social distancing, handwashing stations, and the dreaded mask wearing. Through all this, you soared,” she said.
She said the school celebrated its 65th anniversary this year.
Major Wright said the school forged a partnership with Spike Industries and now has its “own branded water at a fraction of the cost, ensuring a healthy lifestyle while boosting school spirit.”
Major Wright further lauded the school’s achievements in academics and extracurricular activities.
(A section of the audience)
“We are down in history as being the only school to win nine consecutive times the Eastern Championships.” The Acting Principal said the sporting achievements extended to Carifta and Penn’s Relay.
“Our girls made history by qualifying for the Championship of America 4×100 relay final. They followed up with outstanding performances in the heats with a time of 46.18.”
(Rasheed Grant and Keliesha Bell two of the athletes named in the valedictory address as being outstanding for the school)
There were also notable achievements for St Mary High in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) competitions. In the speech and drama competitions, the school was recognized nationally as most outstanding in both disciplines. Rachael Johnson-Bertram was recognized as the most outstanding teacher in speech and drama.
St Mary High School made it to the top ten in the Kangaroo mathematics competition. Ten students were awarded in the Kangaroo mathematics competition.
“We entered the math coding competition for the first time with three students, two of whom made it to the finals, and one has been invited to be a part of the national coding team to represent Jamaica.” Major Wright boasted.
St Mary High is known for its band and cadet achievements over the years and this year was no different. The school band remains in the top five for Jamaica’s Best School Bands. The school’s cadets have achieved a historical feat, winning the Ruel Vaz Trophy 18 times.
(Among the Officials: Front row, from left, Derrick Thompson Board Chairman; Justice Marva Mcdonald Bishop; Dr. Norman Dunn, MP for Southeast St Mary and Vice Principal Nicholas Taylor)
Major Wright reminded the graduates that the school has been built on its strong legacy of resilience, excellence and faith.
(Guest speaker President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald Bishop with the assistance of Vice Principal Nicholas Vic Tylor hold aloft a picture showing her in official regalia)
“Being grounded on purpose St Mary High school wasn’t built on convenience but on conviction on faith, discipline, courage, and the belief that rural brilliance could match any global stage. Let those same values guide you to your path wherever life takes you, and let adversity refine you, not define you. From the silent battles you fought to the pandemic that shaped your school years, these were not roadblocks. They were training grounds. Like pressure forms a diamond, these trials have sharpened the strength within you that the world needs. You are the inheritors of a powerful legacy,” the Acting Principal concluded.
Students in a march at the graduation. Watch:
See also the North Coast Times TikTok video on the graduation.
