PHOTOS: Over 200 students graduate from HLSCC

More than 200 students graduated from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) on Thursday as the institution celebrated its 33rd Graduation Exercise while also announcing major milestones for its future development. 

The ceremony, held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, saw government officials, educators, family members and supporters congregate to celebrate the Class of 2026 under the theme, “Time to Thrive.” 

HLSCC President Dr Richard Georges noted that the institution had continued to expand opportunities for students despite challenges faced over the nearly four decades of operating.

Georges also announced that HLSCC had signed articulation agreements with several universities in the United Kingdom, including London Metropolitan University, Richmond American University, the University of Westminster and the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering.

“These articulations are 2+2s, which mean you will only have two years remaining to complete your bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom at one of our partner institutions,” Georges stated. 

Board of Governors Chair Dr L Sauda Smith urged graduates to focus on personal growth and service.

“The world does not need more people trying to be someone else. It needs individuals who are courageous enough to become their authentic selves and generous enough to place their talents in the service of humanity,” Smith said. 

Progress in teacher training

Education Minister Sharie de Castro highlighted recent gains in teacher training, pointing to the graduation of five educators from HLSCC’s Associate Degree in Education programme, which she said had been revitalised after nearly a decade.

“For the first time in nearly a decade, five educators are graduating from HLSCC’s Associate Degree in Education program following its successful revitalisation,” de Castro stated.

The minister also recognised nine educators who completed the Certificate in Education programme and 16 aspiring educational leaders who earned certificates in Educational Leadership.

According to de Castro, the programmes were fully funded by the Virgin Islands government as part of efforts to strengthen the territory’s education system.

Entering a new season

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley congratulated graduates and encouraged them to seize opportunities in the next phase of their lives.

“Your time at the H. Lavity Stout Community College has been one of preparation, a season of learning, stretching, discovering, and growing,” Premier Wheatley said. “Now you enter a new season, one that calls for greater maturity, deeper responsibility, and bold steps into careers, entrepreneurship, or further study.” 

Keynote speaker Dame Janice Pereira, the former Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and the first Virgin Islander appointed to His Majesty’s Privy Council, encouraged graduates to believe in their abilities and persevere through challenges.

“Belief is one of the most underestimated engines of human achievement. It’s invisible, but it moves mountains,” Pereira stated.