GHS students leave close-knit campus behind for next chapter of their lives

Families filled the bleachers on Trayser Field as a soft Caribbean breeze moved across the campus,

carrying the sounds of conversation, laughter, and the opening notes of the graduation song performed by the Love City Pan Dragons.

The graduates marched in to applause that grew with every step, many of them walking the same

paths they've known since childhood. Parents leaned forward, some with phones raised, others

simply taking in the moment.

Head of School Liz Kinsella opened the ceremony by reflecting on the traits GHS strives to cultivate - open-mindedness, creativity, resilience, community orientation, and self-awareness - noting that this class "didn't just meet those expectations; they lived them."

The ceremony also recognized two students for exceptional academic achievement. Valedictorian

Dax Chouiniere and Salutatorian Nadjah Jn Phillip were honored for their scholarship, leadership,

and service to the school community.

Dax, who will attend college on the U.S. mainland this fall, shared a heartfelt message in his address.

"I'm grateful for everyone who supported me, but especially my mom. None of this would have

been possible without her," he said before adding "No matter where I go next, Gifft Hill will always feel like home to me."

Nadjah, who will also continue her studies on the mainland, spoke candidly about the journey that

brought the class to this moment:

"We've had long nights, stressful times, and moments when it felt like we wouldn't make it. But

we pushed through - together. Class of 2026, we made it."

Before each graduate stepped forward to receive a diploma, teachers took a moment to speak

about them individually - sharing stories, memories, and reflections that highlighted their growth, character, and the unique contributions they brought to the school. The personal tributes drew laughter, tears, and warm applause, underscoring the deep relationships that define a small-school community.

The Class of 2026 includes Amaya Abraham, Taire Barnes, Gleidy Castillo Caraballo, Dax Chouiniere, Nyimah Jacobs, Nadjah Jn Phillip, Thomas Nicholas, Seamus O'Donnell, Tyler Levons, Isaias Obando, Angel Perez, Lillian Richardson, Bret Strain, Kadeem Thomas, Eibony Torres Cordero, and Talia Williams.

Every name was met with cheers that echoed across the hillside - cheers that carried years of effort,

growth, and community behind them.

The ceremony also highlighted the class's wide-ranging achievements including National Merit

recognition, AP coursework, and leadership in the National Honor Society and cultural and community impact. The IDEA Club, founded and expanded by members of the class, was recognized

for strengthening the school's commitment to inclusion and identity. Their month-long capstone placements across St. John - from the Virgin Islands National Park and CORE Foundation to WAPA, Island Health and Wellness, Caribbean Solar, and local businesses - demonstrated a class that didn't just learn from their community, but actively served it.

As the final diplomas were awarded, the sky shifted from gold to rose, and the graduates recessed to a standing ovation. Families spilled onto the field for hugs, photos, and long embraces, capturing the last moments of a chapter that shaped them all.

The ceremony closed as it began with students laughing together, parents wiping away proud tears, and teachers stepping back to watch the young people they helped guide, walk confidently into the world.