The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports is celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of the Class of 2026 following another successful academic year across the Territory’s public school system.

A total of 248 students successfully met all graduation requirements, representing an impressive 97 percent graduation rate.

Among the Territory-wide achievements, 100 percent of male students met graduation requirements, while 95 percent of female students successfully graduated. Additionally, 69 percent of graduates earned either Honours or High Honours distinctions, reflecting the strong academic performance demonstrated throughout the Territory.

Chief Education Officer Mrs. Orlandette Crabbe said the achievements of the Class of 2026 reflect the resilience, determination and commitment of students, educators and families.

Mrs. Crabbe stated, “The accomplishments of this graduating class are especially commendable because our students successfully balanced rigorous academic requirements, extracurricular involvement and personal responsibilities while remaining committed to excellence.”

Students are required to earn a minimum of sixty credit hours within their selected programme of study by attaining grades of C or better, complete at least eighty hours of approved community service, and achieve passing scores on the Exit Proficiency Examination in both English and Mathematics to graduate from the Virgin Islands public secondary school system.

Mrs. Crabbe said the Class of 2026 not only met these requirements, but also demonstrated an increasing commitment to pursuing advanced academic opportunities while still enrolled in secondary school.

Of the 248 graduates, 134 students, representing 54 percent of the graduating class, were dually enrolled at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), earning college credits while completing their secondary education. This growing participation in dual-enrolment programmes reflects a culture of academic ambition and positions students to enter tertiary education with a significant head start.

Territory-wide results also highlighted the exceptional performance of students at Elmore Stoutt High School, which produced all of the Territory’s Top Ten graduating students.

The Territory’s top graduating student for 2026 is Tarina Kenya Kenessa Roberts, followed by Salutatorian Kaliq Teshawn Jennings.

The ministry also recognised the top-performing students from the other public secondary schools:

• Bregado Flax Educational Centre – Leanfer Hernandez (Valedictorian) and Kyle Alexander (Salutatorian);

• Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies – Ethan Faulkner (Valedictorian) and A’nyah Thomas (Salutatorian); and

• Claudia Creque Educational Centre – Aisha Varlack (Valedictorian) and Anjuliena Smith (Salutatorian).

Mrs. Crabbe stated that the achievements recorded this year reflect the dedication of principals, teachers, support staff, parents, guardians and community partners who continue to guide and support students throughout their educational journeys. She  added that the success of the Class of 2026 demonstrates that excellence is achieved through perseverance, discipline and a willingness to embrace opportunities for growth.

 The ministry is also celebrating the accomplishments of Grade 6 students across the Territory’s public primary schools as they prepare to transition into secondary education.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 291 Grade 6 students were enrolled. Of these students, 280 were promoted, while 11 students transitioned through alternative educational pathways and support mechanisms designed to meet their individual needs.

The Territory’s top-performing Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud, also of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.

Notably, seven of the Territory’s Top Ten Grade 6 students are female, while three are male. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School produced four of the Top Ten students, while Enis Adams Primary School produced three.

The strong performance at the primary level reflects the solid educational foundation being established across public schools and provides confidence in the continued success of students as they advance through the education system.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports extends congratulations to the Class of 2026 and all students transitioning into new phases of their educational journey.