Arthur Smith Primary School principal John Quinton has challenged the graduating class of 2026 to support each other’s growth and success as they prepare to transition to secondary school, reminding them that achievement is not solely measured by academic results but by how they help others along the way.
Addressing students, parents and other guests, including Christ Church West MP Dr William Duguid, at the school’s graduation ceremony under the theme Growing Together, Reaching New Heights, Quinton reflected on the school’s year-long journey and the importance of community, encouragement and service.
Arthur Smith Primary School Graduating class of 2026. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
“That’s what this life is about. Others setting up others for success.
“I ask you parents, you setting up your children for success… We all have a responsibility to set up one another for success.”
He continued: “All the schools, as far as I know, are good schools. They are working with children and trying to make them good citizens and trying to develop their full potential.”
The principal’s message came as the school celebrated another successful year marked by academic accomplishments, sporting achievements and community outreach initiatives.
Quinton noted that the school year began under the national education theme Nothing is Impossible, which guided Arthur Smith Primary’s focus on quality teaching and learning, athletics, artistic expression, social and emotional development and values education.
He highlighted a number of accomplishments, including literacy initiatives, robotics demonstrations, environmental projects, sporting successes and the continued dominance of the school’s football programme.
Among those recognised were members of the undefeated Arthur Smith Wildcats football team, who are preparing to compete in the national finals this weekend.
The principal also praised students’ performance in the Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination and urged graduates to embrace whatever path best suited their talents.
“Everybody will not be a doctor and a lawyer. No. God has given gifts to people and every one of them has value,” he said.
As he reflected on the year, Quinton paid tribute to former Class Four teacher Ashley Miller, whose death in April deeply affected the school community. The students of Class Four-S sang “A Little Goodbye” as a tribute to him.
He commended staff, particularly information technology coordinator Allison Phillips, for stepping in to support students preparing for the Common Entrance examination following Miller’s illness and death.
“She treated that class as though it was her class from the very beginning. She worked hard and helped to push those children through.”
Delivering the feature address, education officer and literacy lead in the Ministry of Education Transformation, Janelle Little, encouraged students to remember that they are never alone in life’s journey.
Janelle Little Education Officer and Literacy Lead in the Ministry of Education Transformation. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla)
Drawing inspiration from the story of Boston marathon runner Ajay Haridasse, who was helped across the finish line by fellow competitors after collapsing during this year’s race, she outlined four lessons for graduates entering secondary school.
“The first lesson is that you are not alone in this race of life.
“You are here, but here with you is a village of people, an ecosystem of people who believe in you and who want you to have a productive, successful life.”
Little urged students to be willing to both offer and accept assistance.
“It is important that we help each other, that we give help. But even more so, it is important that we receive help.”
She also challenged graduates to use their words and actions to uplift others.
“A simple word of encouragement can change someone’s entire day. Always remember that words have power.”
Warning against bullying and the misuse of social media, she encouraged students to make positive choices as they move into a new stage of life.
“We want you to uplift this nation as our future leaders with your behaviours and your actions. We want you to make the choice to do what’s positive and make yourself proud and make us as a nation proud.”
Little reminded graduates that setbacks should never define them.
“Falling down is not the opposite of reaching new heights. It is part of how you get there.
“When you fail, learn the lessons, get up and try again.”
Students were presented with scrolls, prizes and special awards before being formally recognised as graduates of Arthur Smith Primary School.
As they prepare to enter secondary schools across the island in September, graduates were left with one final reminder from their principal: “Let’s all set up one another for success.”
(LE)
The post Arthur Smith principal to graduates: ‘Set up one another for success’ appeared first on Barbados Today.
