On Wednesday morning, February 25th, 2026, Preston H. Albury High School (PHAHS) in Rock Sound hosted an awards ceremony, highlighting the academic achievements of students at the school during the Christmas Term (September through December) 2025, as well as the effort and perseverance of those students aiming for higher achievement, under the theme, ‘Recognizing Effort, Rewarding Excellence’.
In brief remarks during the ceremony, District Education Officer (DEO) and former Principal at Preston Albury High School, Mrs. Fontella Knowles, called out the impressive academic achievements at the school, highlighting the fact that the number of students receiving recognition for achieving above a 3.0 grade point average, both on the Honour Roll (3.00 to 3.49), and the Principal’s List (3.50 to 4.00), included 78 of the just-under 300 total student population at the school – with an additional 41 students attaining ‘Rising Star’ recognition, with a grade point average between 2.5 and 2.99. She commended both teachers and administration for their tireless work and dedication in supporting the students. Parents and guardians were also lauded for their consistent pushing and financial sacrifices to ensure the success of their children. She further challenged students to maintain their efforts – looking toward excellent results in the upcoming national examinations.
12th grader, principal’s list awardee, and 2025 Jr. Minister of Tourism, De’Anntae Hepburn, was given the distinct and unusual honour of addressing the student body of her peers as the special guest speaker during the morning awards celebration. She brought a refreshing perspective to the student struggle, as well as to the importance of students supporting each other, during their high school experience. Speaking on the power of recognizing effort alongside excellence – she pointed out the impact of recognition in boosting confidence, increasing motivation, strengthening students’ belief in what they could do, ultimately leading to tangible improvement.
She added that while awards are motivating, simple words of encouragement, like “I see your effort,” “Keep on trying,” or “I appreciate your effort,” can be far more powerful and resonate deeply. De’Anntae encouraged the cultivation of a supporting environment at Preston Albury High, urging students to uplift each other, to celebrate improvement and growth, and compete with effort rather than insecurity, saying, “…Imagine a school where trying hard is respected, where helping others is normal, where growth is cool, where discipline is seen as strength, not doing too much. That kind of culture doesn’t just produce award winners, it produces confident people, strong people, purposeful people.” She emphasized that every student’s effort, growth and future matters, and their story is still unfolding.
District Superintendent of Education in Eleuthera, Mr. Harcourt McCoy, in short remarks, following De’Anntae’s presentation heaped praise on her excellent presentation, describing her as positive ambassador for her school. Adding to DEO Knowles’ expectations expressed to students about upcoming national exams, DSE McCoy told students he wanted to see the senior high classes receiving public school scholarships, going on to attend colleges and universities, attending technical schools, applying to join the Defence and Police Forces, and other public services – encouraging them to prepare with excellence to fill these essential community roles.
Moving in to the awards segment of the morning ceremony, students were recognized for achievements in specific subjects, overall improvement, Rising Stars, Honour Roll, Principal’s List, Top of the Class, as well as extracurricular activities.
Honour Roll (3.00 to 3.49 grade point average) students in each grade level, recognized for this accomplishment included: Grade 7 – Edwin Scavella, Brianna Paul, Tamaria Murphy, Keitho Johnson, Chrisnelle Daniel, J’Mari Kemp, and Schki Benoit. Grade 8 – Janaye Sands, Tavaria Bonaby, Zyien Sands, Ghamelia Johnson, Taylor Butler, Corlissa Russell, Savanna Knowles, Emerie Storr, Tayshawn Brown, and David Noel Jr. Grade 9 – Caithlyn Pinder, and Paris Symonette. Grade 10 – Jada Moxey, Quinton Carey, Dellano Gustave, Arianna Curry, Rhondonique Mackey, Krisleigh Smith, Aallieah Rolle, Aulicia Meadows, Margenae Brown, Bria Allen, Shekinah Rolle, Kyana Thompson, Eliannha Pierre, and Kaynell Culmer. Grade 11 – Riannah Laramore, Deondra Smith, Lauren Rolle, Gabrielle Pyfrom, Vardo-Lashon Mckenzie, Briana Joseph, Anaiyah Johnson, Valentino Munnings, Kania Symonette, Tavaris Bonaby, Marvin Bethel, Zeniya Thompson, Kalisa Scavella, Devardo Pratt, and Nathan Rolle. Grade 12 – Onesha Tynes, Delena Rolle, Tashae McDonald, Jazmine Flowers, Shania Carey, Demarinique Stubbs, Alexa Brown, Renaisha John, Juesha Rolle, Amari Fernander, Michaela Dorsett, Peyton Saunders, and Timberly Morley.
A distinguished group of students, who achieved a grade point average of 3.50 to 4.00 were rewarded as Principal’s List award recipients. Those students included: Grade 7 – Asher McCoy, Timothy Morley, Seanna Lafrance, and Edia Scavella. Grade 8 – Daylesha Johnson, and Qaio Carey. Grade 10 – Frank Lafrance, Nakiah Carey, Simmia Lafleur, and Zavion McCoy. Grade 11 – Jamyah Rolle. Grade 12 – Kelisha Rolle, De’Anntae Hepburn, Carmille Bain, Michaela Carey, Jayden Bethel, and Amia Mackey.
One student at each grade level was also recognized for having topped their peers in academic performance, as the ‘Top of the Class’ award recipient with the highest grade point average. The six students were: Asher McCoy (7th grade), Daylesha Johnson (8th grade), Caithlyn Pinder (9th grade), Frank Lafrance (10th grade), Jamyah Rolle (11th grade), and Kelisha Rolle (12th grade).
Maritime Cadet students who had successfully received their STCW Captain license, including Amari Fernander, Kayvano Knowles, Devano Miller, Franscely Jean, and Telvin Taylor – were also singled out for recognition.
