Naggo Head Primary Class of 2026 graduates celebrate years of growth and resilience

Students at Naggo Head Primary in St. Catherine marked their graduation as the Class of 2026, closing a primary journey that educators say stretched far beyond a single ceremony.

For the pupils, the milestone carried personal meaning. One graduate said the day represented moving further in life, with a dream of becoming a well-known astronomer. Another recalled the math Olympiad as the most memorable part of the school years.

Staff pointed to a wider record of achievement. Pupils took part in quiz and debate competitions and numerous sports events. Along the way, they faced obstacles that tested their resilience, including periods when school operations were affected and classes had to shift to other spaces while learning continued.

Educators said many children entered without knowing the alphabet or numbers one to ten, yet improved to the point where they can read, comprehend, and perform well in mathematics. "Let me be frank, when they entered school many of them didn't know the letters of the alphabet, many of them didn't know numbers 1 to 10," one staff member said. "And so I would say that they have improved immensely to the point where they can read, comprehend, and they can also do well mathematically."

The area's member of parliament, attending a graduation for the twelfth consecutive year, noted that the top four students this year are all males. "For the last 12 years, I have not missed a graduation," the MP said. "It's important for me as member of parliament and even before I was member of parliament to celebrate the greatness of our young kings and our young queens."

Graduates were urged to see the day as a bridge rather than an endpoint. Moving to high school will mean adjusting to multiple teachers instead of one, seeking help from guidance counsellors and form teachers, and settling in wherever they are placed.

Parents were encouraged to stay involved even if they cannot keep pace with every subject, using mobile technology and available apps to support learning at home. To the graduates, the MP's message was direct: "You were born for greatness. You are destined to do great things. Never, ever, ever doubt yourself."

Congratulations were extended to the Class of 2026 as they prepared to begin high school with new dreams ahead.