PHOTOS: ESHS graduates urged to build character, not just careers

Education Minister Sharie de Castro has challenged graduates of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) to measure their success by the strength of their character rather than the careers they pursue, telling the Class of 2026 that the greatest inheritance they received could never be measured in money.

Addressing the school’s graduation ceremony, de Castro said the students were leaving with more than diplomas. They were also inheriting the values and standards established by the school’s namesake, former educator Elmore Stoutt.

“Today I want to talk to you about your inheritance,” de Castro stated. “The greatest inheritances can never be placed in a bank account or written into a will. They are carried in our character, in our values, in our actions.” 

She said Stoutt had left behind “a standard of discipline, a standard of integrity, and a standard of character”, adding that every student who passed through the school’s gates was called to uphold those values.

Drawing on her own experience, de Castro recalled that Stoutt had served as her principal and had personally encouraged her throughout her career. She said she had the privilege of hearing him tell her only months ago how proud he was of her, describing it as a blessing to live out someone’s legacy while they are still alive to witness it.

High honours

She reminded graduates of one of Stoutt’s best-known sayings: “Can as much as you can, while you can.” Although simple, she said the words extended far beyond academics and encouraged people to keep learning, growing and striving throughout life.

De Castro said the Class of 2026 had demonstrated they had listened to that message, citing a series of academic achievements. She noted that all 10 of the territory’s top graduating students came from ESHS, while 134 of the school’s 181 graduates earned honours or high honours. She also highlighted record participation in the dual-enrolment programme, with 107 students earning college credits and six completing full enrolment during their final year of secondary school. 

“These are not simply numbers. They are evidence. Evidence that legacy still speaks. Evidence that students still listen. Evidence that excellence continues to rise at Elmore Stoutt High School,” de Castro told graduates. 

She also praised the school’s male graduates after every young man in the graduating class completed high school, noting that the achievement extended across all public high schools in the Virgin Islands this year.

“Don’t allow graduation to become your greatest achievement. Please allow it only to become your foundation,” she urged. 

Closing her address, de Castro said preserving the school’s legacy was not the responsibility of the graduating class alone but of every former student. She urged graduates to continue honouring Stoutt’s example through lives marked by discipline, integrity and strong character.

“So, ‘can’ as much as you can while you can because one day another generation will inherit what you leave behind,” de Castro stated.