24 students graduated from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies on Friday, June 27, 2025. Photo: Facebook

Miss Aaliya Davis, who ranked 5th in the territory, was named valedictorian of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies 2025 graduating class. Photo: Facebook

Minister for Education, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), told the 2025 graduating class of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies that they made the right choice by choosing TVET. Photo: Facebook

A total of 24 students formed the graduating class, and Aaliya Davis, who ranked 5th in the territory, was named valedictorian of the Class of 2025, while the salutatorian award went to Daniel Davis, who ranked 9th. 

K'Dyah James was another notable graduate recognised for being part of the inaugural team from the Virgin Islands (VI) that travelled to Singapore for the FIRST Global Robotics Competition. She received $1,500 to help fund tools and technology for her next endeavours.

‘While some were studying concepts, you were building competence’- Hon de Castro

Minister for Education, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, addressed the graduating class, telling them that they made the right choice by choosing TVET. 

She emphasised, “You didn’t take the easy road; you didn’t follow the crowd. You chose TVET…You chose a path that people sometimes misunderstand and stigmatise— a path that isn’t always glamorised but is absolutely essential. You had the courage to enter a space that demanded memorisation, skills, discipline, patience, and promise. While some were studying concepts, you were building competence.” 

Hon de Castro assured the graduating class of 2025 that they made the right choice as TVET is not less than, nor is it a backup plan or an afterthought

“It is a powerful, practical, purpose-driven path that prepares people to step confidently into the world. At this moment, we celebrate not just as graduates, but as engineers. Yes, you are engineers, whether you study culinary arts, cosmetology, or automotive technology. You have been builders, applying precision, creativity, and technical know-how to craft a future that is strong, flexible, and full of possibilities.” 

‘Time to own our future’- Valedictorian Davis

Keynote speaker, Youth Pastor Mr. Colin Gunthrop from the New Life Baptist Church, encouraged the graduates not to let noise drown their fire, calling on them to emulate the spirit of RISE- Resilience, Ignore, Silence, and Empower. 

“The ones who matter believe in you; the rest are background static. Anytime anyone steps out of the box we put them in, we criticise them. One of the things you have to watch out for are the people around you who constantly remind you of who you used to be. You can make an adjustment in your mind and your words to empower others.” 

Meanwhile, Valedictorian Aaliya Davis, in her address, said, “We did it! We survived high school. Now it’s time to own our future. We have come a long way from how we started; we became strangers to family, but we kept our eyes on the prize.” 

She further stated, “Today, we are graduates, and tomorrow we will be chiefs, mechanics, cosmetologists, leaders, and innovators in the making.”

Miss Davis encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their dreams with confidence and determination as they take up the mantle of leadership in the territory. 

“The future is ours to shape.”