Ministry names top graduating students as public
The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports says public secondary schools across the Virgin Islands recorded a 97 percent graduation rate for the Class of 2026, with male students at 100 percent and female students at 95 percent. The Ministry also named the territory's top-performing graduates, reported increased participation in dual-enrolment with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and confirmed that 69 percent of graduates earned Honours or High Honours. The Ministry and education officials praised students, teachers and community partners for the cohort's strong academic performance and growing pursuit of advanced opportunities while still in secondary school.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports confirmed that 248 students met all graduation requirements this year, producing a Territory-wide graduation rate of 97 percent for the Class of 2026. According to the Ministry and reported by local outlets, male students achieved a 100 percent graduation rate while female students recorded 95 percent.
Nearly seven in 10 graduates — 69 percent, by the Ministry's accounting — earned either Honours or High Honours, highlighting strong overall academic performance across the Territory. Education officials noted many students exceeded minimum requirements and took advantage of enrichment opportunities while still in secondary school.
Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) was a significant feature of this cohort. Ministry figures show 134 students, or 54 percent of the graduating class, participated in dual-enrolment programmes and earned college credits prior to finishing high school, a trend officials say reflects rising academic ambition and gives students a head start on tertiary study or workforce entry.
To qualify for graduation from the Virgin Islands public secondary school system, students must complete at least 60 credit hours in their programme with grades of C or higher, finish a minimum of 80 hours of approved community service, and achieve passing scores on the Exit Proficiency Examination in English and Mathematics.
The Ministry reported that many graduates exceeded these thresholds and pursued further academic challenges. Elmore Stoutt High School dominated the top of the cohort, producing all ten of the Territory's highest-performing graduates. Tarina Kenya Kenessa Roberts was named Territory Valedictorian, with Kaliq Teshawn Jennings as Salutatorian for the Territory.
The Ministry also named top students from other public secondary schools: Bregado Flax Educational Centre's 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's Aisha Varlack (Valedictorian) and Anjuliena Smith (Salutatorian), as reported by VINO and ministry announcements.
Orlandette Crabbe commended the Class of 2026 for their resilience and balance between academics, extracurricular involvement and personal responsibilities, calling the accomplishments 'especially commendable.' She told reporters the success reflects the hard work of principals, teachers, support staff, parents, guardians and community partners who guided students through their educational journeys.
Primary-level results also impressed officials. Of 291 Grade 6 students enrolled in 2025–2026, 280 were promoted to secondary school while 11 followed alternative pathways tailored to their needs. The Territory's top Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud; seven of the Top Ten Grade 6 positions were held by female students.
The Ministry extended congratulations to graduates and advancing students, describing the Class of 2026's performance as evidence of the Territory's ongoing commitment to educational excellence and stronger pathways to higher education and local workforce opportunities. Officials said the rise in dual-enrolment and high honours achievement suggests students are increasingly prepared for the next steps in their education and careers.
Primary source: Guavaberry