The season of new beginnings and poignant goodbyes took place throughout Eleuthera during early-June with senior high school graduation ceremonies hosted over the course of a full week. Methodist church venues were the space of choice for graduates of Samuel Guy Pinder All Age in Spanish Wells and Central Eleuthera High School in James’ Cistern this year. Harbour Island All Age chose the Lighthouse Church of God on the island, with North Eleuthera High School traveling to Hatchet Bay’s St. Stephen’s Baptist Church for their commencement celebrations. Preston Albury High School graduates celebrated their final ceremony together at Fountain of Life Ministries in Rock Sound, and Windermere High School celebrated with graduates at the Brethren Church Gospel Chapel in Tarpum Bay.
The highlight of each school’s commencement program, the ‘awards segment’, was positively joyous. Graduates enjoyed the accolades and loud cheers (as well as horns) of audiences of family members and supportive friends – both as they paraded into the various venues, as well as during the individual presentations for the ceremonial receipt of their well-earned Bahamas National High School Diplomas, and a plethora of other awards. Many parents and family members, happily and some emotionally tearful, joined graduates on stage for memorable photos as they received their awards. Key words of ‘future’, ‘journey’, ‘destiny’, ‘purpose’, ‘excellence’ and ‘innovate’ resounded from this year’s themes chosen for the various ceremonies.
The volley of commencements got underway on Tuesday, June 9th, starting in Rock Sound with Preston H. Albury High School at 10 a.m. in the morning, followed on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. in Spanish Wells, with Samuel Guy Pinder All Age at the Methodist Church there. Ceremonies continued on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00 a.m. that morning, with the North Eleuthera High School, in Hatchet Bay at the Baptist Church. The following day, on Friday morning, June 12th at 10:00 a.m., the Methodist Church in James’ Cistern played host to the graduation ceremony of the Central Eleuthera High School. Also, on Friday morning at the same time, Windermere High School’s commencement ceremony took place in Tarpum Bay. Rounding out the high school graduation season was Harbour Island All Age at Lighthouse Church of God on Monday morning, June 15th, 2026.
A common thread at each of the graduating ceremonies this year was the address given by each school’s principal, which highlighted the academic year’s student achievements – covering the gamut of academics, sports, culture, and extracurricular, as well as community contributions and partnerships, which allowed the schools to accomplish their broad range of goals during the year.
A special video recording of an address by the new Minister of Education, Science and Technology, and Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, was also shown at each commencement ceremony. DPM Cooper spoke about the ongoing transformation of the national education system, and in closing, offered guidance for the future, urging graduates to remain focused on their goals, anticipate distractions, setbacks and moments of doubt, and to leverage their proven resilience to take steady steps towards becoming the person they aspire to be.
Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS):
First out of the gate, Preston H. Albury High School’s (PHAHS Stallions) graduation service, under the theme, “Anchored in Excellence: Soaring Beyond Limits”, with principal Ms. Loretta Butler, took place at Fountain of Life Ministries in Rock Sound at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning, June 9th, 2026. Fifty-six graduates marked the successful end of high school, and the beginning of their foray into young adulthood.
Special guest speaker on the morning, Pastor Christopher Darling of The Oasis, in his presentation to the budding young adults, impressed on the group that graduation marked the beginning of a vital responsibility for them as the new generation – to uphold, develop, and advance their society, nation, and inherited legacies. He told the class that they could not afford to be unfocused or to fail, as the future depended on their competence and discipline.
Drawing on a number of biblical references, including Jesus with his apostles, and the story of Samson’s mother, Pastor Darling taught about the weight of responsibility the graduates now had to cultivate their potential through focused discipline, so that the national investment made in their future through their education, would result in them becoming contributing citizens. They were urged to understand that their success would impact not only themselves but also future generations and the nation’s progress. The continuity and advancement of Bahamian society, said Pastor Darling, rested squarely on the graduates’ shoulders. The present time, he emphasized, was a period for the young graduates to build on their foundations, and to prepare themselves, saying, “Use the next couple of years to build on top of what was already established on the inside of you to be able to carry the weight that this nation will rest upon you and that God will rest upon you. The future is dependent upon your discipline.”
District Superintendent of Education (DSE) for Eleuthera, Mr. Harcourt McCoy, who – accompanied by District Education Officer (DEO), Mrs. Fontella Knowles – attended every high school graduation across the island, also addressed the audience of graduates, along with family and community supporters. He first commended and recognized the work and dedication of teachers and support staff of the school, and remarked on the commencement being a “day of transition,” not finality, from co-dependence to independence. In addition to congratulating the Class of 2026, he emphasized the importance of the graduates developing a strong moral compass, differentiating right from wrong, upholding their families and adding value to their communities. Mrs. Melinda Wallace, representing Minister Clay Sweeting, also offered words of congratulations, on behalf of the Minister, and presented scholarships to both the valedictorian and salutatorian.
Graduating at the top of the class at the Preston Albury High School as Valedictorian this year was Kelisha Rolle – who was highlighted for achieving a cumulative Principal’s List (3.80), and numerous other awards, including the Deputy Head Girl Leadership Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Honouree, Fidelity Award (Top Student) and Top Female at the Bahamas Outstanding Students Awards. She was followed up by Salutatorian, De’Anntae Hepburn who also achieved a cumulative Principal’s List (3.78), and a number of other awards, including Head Girl Leadership Award, Junior Minister of Tourism Award, BPL Award (Top Math Student), as well as awards for Junior Achievement, Debate and Sports.
In her valedictorian speech, Kelisha expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices, support and love received from others, and congratulated her graduating classmates. Looking back at their high school years, now at their end, she commented, “We cannot create more moments exactly like these again, but we can cherish them forever.”
Her peers also celebrating as graduates included; Carmille Bain (cumulative Principal’s List – 3.54), Michaela Carey (cumulative Honour Roll), Jayden Bethel (cumulative Honour Roll, Head Boy), Onesha Tynes (cumulative Honour Roll), Amia Mackey (cumulative Honour Roll), Tashae McDonald (cumulative Honour Roll), Delena Rolle (cumulative Honour Roll), Demarinique Stubbs (cumulative Honour Roll), Shenia Carey (cumulative Honour Roll), Michaela Dorsette (cumulative Honour Roll), J’Vyon Brennen, Alexa Brown, Reneisha Brown, Timmico Burrows, Leonardo Butler, Mareko Clayton, Vernon Culmer, Rickeirah Curtis, Franklyn Ellis, Taliaah Evans, Amari Fernander, Jasmine Flowers, Kobe Goodman, Mackeba Hall, Anakechia Jean-Baptiste, Franscely Jean, Renaisha John, Keith Johnson, Evans Joseph, Peter kemp, Quinton Kemp, Kayvano Knowles, Kenshanique McKenzie, Tristan McKinney, Devano Miller, Max Morley, Timberley Morley, Zhion Munnings, Audrina Ordeus, Amelia Pratt, Huesha Rolle, Lorraine Rolle, Lyndesha Rolle, Jessie Russell Jr., Jasmine Sands, Peyton Saunders, Vatazio Sealy, Cardo St. Phard, Tyler Strachan, Sheara Styles, Telvin Taylor, Devon Young, Nahjee Symonette, and Brian Young.
Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (SGPAAS):
The second high school commencement for Eleuthera’s Class of 2026 took place on Wednesday afternoon, June 10th, in Spanish Wells, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The celebration showcased ten Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (SGPAAS) graduates, with principal Mrs. Andrea McSweeney, and supporting family and friend groupings sitting together, ready to cheer on their student.
Pastor Diane Francis, national president of the Student Christian Movement (SCM) organization, as the keynote speaker at the SGPAAS graduation service, delivered a dynamic motivational message, with four main tenets, to the graduates, encouraging them to, first ‘Have a Dream’ – one that could provide direction, purpose and a target to pursue. They were also warned to ‘Watch their Team’ – Pastor Francis highlighted the importance of choosing companions wisely – avoiding ‘dream killers, ‘vision stealers’, ‘haters’, and ‘blockers’. She compared ‘friends’ to an elevator – taking one up or pulling one down – and emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with people who inspire, uplift, and promote positive decision-making. Graduates were thirdly told to ‘Go to the Extreme’ – putting maximum effort into everything, striving for excellence, and being one’s very best. Her final point to the Class of 2026 was to ‘Beam’ – to shine brightly, and to leave their mark. She emphasized tenacity, perseverance, determination, and endurance – allowing nothing to deter them and to stay focused.
Graduating at the top of the class at the Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School as Valedictorian this year was Violet Russell (cumulative Principal’s List – 3.87, Deputy Head Girl), followed by Salutatorian, Ava Charles (cumulative Honour Roll – 3.47, Head Girl). Their peers also celebrating as graduates included: Denniah Cates (Deputy Head Girl), I’Zyon McDonald (Male Leader), Mckayla Knowles (Prefect), Britney Noel (Prefect), Marc-Danley Eugene (Prefect), Kelsie Neely (term Principal’s List – 3.53, Prefect), Julius Fife, and Kenley Aritus.
In her valedictorian speech, Violet thanked all of their parents and guardians, teachers and mentors for being steady anchors in their lives. She further encouraged her classmates, saying, “The future is not something waiting on us. It is out there right now for us to discover. Whether we go on to pursue careers, higher education, or new adventures, we carry with us the tools of perseverance, curiosity, and compassion. We are not passengers on this journey, We are navigators, charting new courses in a world that needs our ideas, our energy, and our hope. The challenges ahead may be great, but so too is our capacity to meet them with courage and integrity.”
North Eleuthera High School (NEHS):
Graduation exercises for North Eleuthera High School’s (NEHS) Class of 2026, with principal Chardel Brown-Gibson, were celebrated at the St. Stephen’s Baptist Church in Hatchet Bay, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, June 11th, under the theme, “From Den to Destiny: Rising With Purpose.” A proud audience of family, friends and well-wishers filled the church for a capacity audience, where thirty-three graduates spent their final moments together as a class, as they received their diplomas, leaving certificates, awards, hearty cheers and accolades.
Special guest speaker on the morning, Rev. Dr. Jacintha Marie Neely, congratulated the young graduates, hailing the ceremony as ‘the beginning’ of their journey towards success, and urged them to embrace their destiny with confidence and faith. Using the biblical story of Daniel, Rev. Neely, highlighted the importance of having an ‘excellent spirit’, allowing one to stand out from the crowd. She also reminded the graduates of their worth and divine design – that they were ‘wonderfully and fearfully’ made. They were told to have resilience again critics, and encouraged not to be deterred or defined by them. Internal drive, said Ms. Neely, was a requirement of success, and said to students that they would have to push themselves, daily, without external motivators. Finally, she reminded them of the power of faith and prayer, saying that potential was limitless with God, “Without God, you cannot achieve, but through Jesus Christ, you can do all things.”
Valedictorian for North Eleuthera High School this year, was Samanka Dorlus (cumulative Principal’s List). She was followed by Salutatorian, Gawarna Francique (cumulative Honour Roll) at the top of the graduating class of NEHS. They were joined by their peers also celebrating as graduates including: Dexter Cambridge (cumulative Honour Roll, Head Boy), Kai Imlach (cumulative Honour Roll), Malik Isaac (cumulative Honour Roll), Saniyah Knowles (cumulative Honour Roll), Ethan Neely(cumulative Honour Roll), Keishawn Rolle (cumulative Honour Roll), Breanna Thompson (cumulative Honour Roll, Head Girl), Kayden Williams (cumulative Honour Roll), Kymethrea Albury, Troell Albury, Latarria Butler, Youdline Gerve, Khalisse Coakley, Lavardo Cooper, Ramia Heastie, Rosemary Janie, Donte Johnson, Maya Kelly, Gerald McHardy, Akailah Neely, Tayshaun Kitson, Bramdin Louima, Petrez Outten, Lorvensley Rivert, Asriel Russell (term Honour Roll), Christian Sands (term Honour Roll), Lexton Saunders, Milaya Stuart, Sharone Seymour, Alexander St. Justin, and Stansen St. Luc.
In her valedictorian’s address, Samanka Dorlus, delivered a powerful speech about resilience, perseverance and the transformative power of education and community in overcoming profound personal adversity. Recounting her early challenges after moving to The Bahamas at a young age – she shared about her struggle to learn English, resulting in a 1.0 GPA and being pulled from regular classes for extra help, feeling ‘marked as a failure’. The personal emotional pain, with a separated family and sometimes feeling unwanted at home, she recalled school becoming an ‘ultimate escape’ – the one place to take control of her life, and refused to let past labels define her. She shared her commitment to working to catch up academically, and to finally compete with her peers, realizing her potential was not fixed. She expressed gratitude to the teachers and staff at NEHS for seeing potential, offering patience, guidance, and challenging her and her peers to be their best selves.
Describing her classmates as her ‘second family’, Samanka recalled the comfort, laughter and shared moments that served as a form of ‘survival’. A further blow of losing her home while in grade 10, was devastating, but also introduced her to a second home and a second mother, she shared. Acknowledging the reality that a number of her classmates also faced trauma, grief and responsibilites beyond their age, during their time in high school, she said, “This is why our graduation theme, ‘From Den to Destiny, Rising with Purpose’, means so much to me. We did not rise because life was easy. We rose because we refused to stay down. And that is the true beauty of the Class of 2026. We faced real challenges, made it through the hardest days and still made it to the finish line together.” She reminded her classmates that they were ‘unbreakable’, having already faced moments that tested their strength and faith. She encouraged them to believe that they were capable, and that while setbacks would come, they had a proven ability to ‘survive storms’.
Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS):
High school graduation for the Central Eleuthera High School (CEHS), with principal Geneal Sweeting, was held on Friday morning, June 12th, at the Wesley Methodist in James’ Cistern at 10:00 a.m., under the theme, “Celebrating Achievement, Embracing the Future.” The overflowingly large audience of family, friends, well-wishers and community leaders filled the church – where the fifty-five students celebrating the completion of their secondary schooling were called out to receive their Bahamas National High School Diplomas, awards and completion certificates.
A number of special guests were in attendance to celebrate with the graduates, and offer words of advice and encouragement. Rev. the Hon. Philip Bethel, former member of parliament for Central Eleuthera, and one of the few surviving signatories of the Bahamas’ “Declaration of Independence”, gave brief remarks, reflecting on the historical significance of education and community contributions, particularly focusing on the establishment and impact of the Central Eleuthera High School. He highlighted that education is the fundamental basis for life and future success – and commended the graduating students on their progress through high school, describing them as the nation’s pride and the future of The Bahamas.
Senator Keenan Johnson, also a former student at Central Eleuthera High School, was in attendance, and in brief remarks, shared some of his experiences while in high school, and their impact on where he was today. Key tenets he imparted while speaking to the graduates included; the importance of character over opportunity – saying that opportunities opened doors, but character sustained individuals. He also stressed that there was no singular path to success – and that the main thing was to focus on their destination, despite challenges.
Minister of Works and Family Affairs, and member of parliament for Central and South Eleuthera, the Hon. Mr. Clay Sweeting was also in attendance, and expressed his congratulations to the graduates, with special recognition given to their parents for their immense sacrifices in time, money and effort to support their children to their current success.
He also announced his intention to outfit two classrooms in the school as “smart classrooms”, with computers, whiteboards, and full technological integration to prepare students for the age of AI. He then presented scholarships to both the valedictorian and salutatorian, and also pledged to add a new scholarship category for the “most improved” student starting in the next academic cycle.
Special guest speaker during the morning celebration, was Mr. Michael Culmer, former principal at Central Eleuthera High School and District Superintendent for Eleuthera, now serving as an Assistant Director of Education (ADE). Mr. Culmer, in his presentation to the graduates, offered a guide as they transitioned to the next phase of their lives, focusing on self-reflection, gratitude, resilience, continuous growth, community and faith. Graduates were encouraged to pause and reflect on their academic journeys, and told to celebrate not just certificates and awards, but also ‘small victories’ and ‘quiet triumphs’, such as grasping a difficult concept, discovering a talent, or finding the courage to try again – as the essential building blocks of success. He also reminded them that success is never achieved in isolation, and asked them to remember ‘where they came from, how they got here, and who supported them’. Because their success was a collective investment, gratitude, he said, was a necessary and constant companion.
Moving forward, he advised, “I need you to recognize that this world that we live in is constantly changing. Expectations are increasing and you must be trained for jobs that do not even exist yet. You must therefore be prepared to adapt. Because if you remain stagnant, you run the risk of becoming obsolete. You cannot be satisfied with your current qualifications. Your right information today is not an end. It is another beginning. You need to continue learning. You need to continue developing, continue refining your skills – skill up, as we often say, because opportunities are there for those who are prepared to embrace it.” Mr. Culmer concluded with a prayer for God’s divine favour, blessings, and protection upon the graduates’ lives, encouraging them to discover their potential, pursue dreams with discipline, embrace opportunities with integrity and excellence, and ultimately make their mark on the world with confidence and faith.
Valedictorian this year for the Central Eleuthera High School was, Carson Charlow (cumulative Principal’s List – 3.75, Prefect Captain), who was also recognized for having already attained three BGCSE’s in grade 11 and an SAT score of 1250. He was joined at the top of the class by Salutatorian, Cartier Johnson (cumulative Principal’s List – 3.61, Head Girl), who also attained three BGCSE’s in eleventh grade, and received the Humanitarian Award, and the Most Outstanding Female Athlete Award. They were joined by their peers, Jaedawn Fritz (cumulative Principal’s List, Deputy Head Girl), Carnetta Gooding (cumulative Honour Roll), Ricardo McKenzie (cumulative Honour Roll, Head Boy), Jadon Culmer (cumulative Honour Roll, Deputy Head Boy, Leadership Excellence Award), Matteo Albury (cumulative Honour Roll), Merrinique Parker (cumulative Honour Roll), Labron Neymour (cumulative Honour Roll), Nathen Albury (cumulative Honour Roll), Aniah Williams (cumulative Honour Roll, Overall Most Improved Female), Jordan Gibson (cumulative Honour Roll), Davaria Farrington (cumulative Honour Roll), Alicha Julien, Alphonso Valdez, Ariel Johnson, Asia Johnson, Baldeisha Johnson (Prefect Captain), Brenae Wallace, Charles McCardy, Ciara Smith, Coye’ McKlewhite, Cruz Sands, Daeyn Johnson, Damico Pratt, Daniel Rahming, Danitra Johnson, Elliot Seymour, Grantawn Cambridge (Most Outstanding Male Athlete), Gwendolyn Bethel, James Isaacs, Jaquis Hanna, Jeremiah Johnson, Jerome Duncombe, Jina Clarcius, Kaysar Rolle, Kourtney Bethel, Leandra Kelly, Liana Jean-Baptiste, Lorrernjina Marc-Maxime, Mahkari Williams, Mitchell Wilson, Rashad Sands, Rodriquez Johnson, Sandy Herquil, Santino Joseph, Sebastiana Jean, Shamiko Gilbert, Shantique Johnson, Shemia Lucas, Sumayah Moncur, Tenia Greene, Tesaii Wallace, Tino Smith Jr., and Tyler Bethel (Overall Most Improved Male).
Carson, in his valedictorian speech, focused on gratitude – to family members, teachers and mentors, and everyone who had inspired and motivated him and his classmates. He also reflected on his journey through high school, while looking toward a future filled with hope. As he wrapped up, he challenged the audience not to “take your eyes off us,’ saying that the graduating Class of 2026 were all “greatness in the making.”
Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS):
On Monday, June 15th, the Harbour Island All Age School (HIAAS) with fourteen students participating in graduation or completion certificate exercises held its 2026 commencement ceremony, which began at 10 a.m. that morning. Led by principal Mrs. Afrika Karamo-Miller, the theme in Harbour Island spoke to the graduates looking towards their futures,’Innovate, Adapt, Thrive: A Future Forged By You’.
Special guest speaker, Revd. Fr. Bryton Ward, focused on the themes of innovation, adaptation, and thriving, underpinned by a spiritual perspective, of divine partnership in shaping their future. Quoting Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” he said that students can achieve what God intends for them through submission to His will. Touching on innovation, he reminded students that they were created in God’s image and were all in possession of unique talents and a calling to be innovative – which he said required vision – seeing a problem and desiring to solve it, as well as belief in themselves and the potential of their own ideas. Adapting, he pointed out, meant utilizing their existing gifts and skills to adjust to changing circumstances – and thriving, he explained, was about persisting through life’s inevitable difficulties. To thrive, he advised, graduates would have to make critical choices as they entered adulthood. Forging strategic alliances, where students discerned who they should align with, was key he said, as negative company could hinder their progress. Their ability to thrive he told them would be directly linked to the choices they would make to achieve their goals. He reiterated that their success would depend on the choices they made from this point forward.
Graduating at the top of the class at the Harbour Island All Age School as Valedictorian this year was Amber Barr (Deputy Head Girl, Principal’s Award, cumulative Principal’s List – 3.50) – who was recognized for numerous achievements, including the Citizenship Award. She was followed by Salutatorian, Alisha Carey (Head Girl, cumulative Honour Roll – 3.39). Their peers also celebrating as graduates included: Kentyn Stewart (Deputy Head Boy, Most Outstanding Male Award), Lovely Sawyer (Most Outstanding Female Athlete), Maximus Dean, Jonathan Roberts Jr. (Most Outstanding Male Athlete), Shamaury Cleare, Nawonka Grant, Leandro Braynen, Tahj Morris, Shonard Barry, Deondre Roberts, Samaya Bowleg, and Alton Whylly.
Head Girl, Alisha Carey, in her speech during the commencement, encouraged her classmates to cherish the memories of their high school experience, but to move forward with confidence, recognizing that their past has shaped them, but did not limit them as they moved forward into the future.
Along with receiving their Bahamas National High School Diplomas, school-leaving certificates as well as trophies for requisite academic, sport and community service achievements – top performing graduates were also rewarded with various scholarship awards from corporate sponsors within the Harbour Island community.
See the The Eleutheran Newspaper May/June Issue for the full Class of 2026 PHOTO FEATURE.
