Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Ministry of Education names top graduating students for 2026

- 248 students meet graduation requirements
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has named the top primary and secondary school students for 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The Territory’s top-performing Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana (left) from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed closely by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud (right), also from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
The Territory’s top-performing Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana (left) from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed closely by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud (right), also from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
According to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, a total of 248 students successfully met all graduation requirements, achieving an impressive graduation rate of 97 percent for 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
According to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, a total of 248 students successfully met all graduation requirements, achieving an impressive graduation rate of 97 percent for 2026. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Tarina Kenya Kenessa Roberts has been recognised as the Territory’s top secondary school graduating student for 2026, with Kaliq Teshawn Jennings following as the Salutatorian.

According to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, a total of 248 students successfully met all graduation requirements, achieving an impressive graduation rate of 97 percent for 2026. 

Notably, 100 percent of male students met graduation requirements, while 95 percent of female students graduated. Additionally, 69 percent of graduates earned either Honours or High Honours, highlighting the strong academic performance demonstrated throughout the Territory.

Among the 248 graduates, 134 students—representing 54 percent of the graduating class—were dually enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), earning college credits while completing their secondary education. 

The Ministry stated that the increasing participation in dual-enrollment programmes at HLSCC reflects a culture of academic ambition, giving students a significant head start in their tertiary education.

Top performing students 

The Ministry also acknowledged the top-performing students from other public secondary schools:

- Bregado Flax Educational Centre: Leanfer Hernandez (Valedictorian) and Kyle Alexander (Salutatorian)

- Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies: Ethan Faulkner (Valedictorian) and A’nyah Thomas (Salutatorian)

- Claudia Creque Educational Centre: Aisha Varlack (Valedictorian) and Anjuliena Smith (Salutatorian)

Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe commended the Class of 2026 for their achievements, stating, “The accomplishments of this graduating class are especially commendable because our students successfully balanced rigorous academic requirements, extracurricular involvement and personal responsibilities while remaining committed to excellence.” 

The ministry stated that students are required to earn a minimum of sixty credit hours within their selected programme of study by attaining grades of C or better, complete at least eighty hours of approved community service, and achieve passing scores on the Exit Proficiency Examination in both English and Mathematics to graduate from the Virgin Islands public secondary school system.

2026 class exhibited increased commitment 

Mrs Crabbe remarked that the Class of 2026 not only met these requirements but also exhibited an increasing commitment to pursuing advanced academic opportunities while still in secondary school.

She added that the achievements recorded this year reflect the hard work of principals, teachers, support staff, parents, guardians, and community partners who continue to guide and support students throughout their educational journeys.

The Chief Education Officer emphasised that the success of the Class of 2026 illustrates that excellence is attained through perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to embrace opportunities for growth.

Grade six students also performed well

The Ministry is also celebrating the accomplishments of Grade 6 students across the Territory’s public primary schools as they prepare to transition into secondary education. 

During the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 291 Grade 6 students were enrolled. Of these, 280 were promoted, while 11 transitioned through alternative educational pathways and support mechanisms designed to meet their individual needs.

The Territory’s top-performing Grade 6 student is Layla Zoe Dulapo Saniana from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, followed closely by Sofia Kaylee Rampersaud, also from Ebenezer Thomas Primary School.

Notably, seven of the Territory’s Top Ten Grade 6 students are female, while three are male. Ebenezer Thomas Primary School produced four of the Top Ten students, while Enis Adams Primary School accounted for three.

12 Responses to “Ministry of Education names top graduating students for 2026”

  • (19/06/2026, 07:29) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is always great news
  • okay (19/06/2026, 07:53) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats to our tuture children. Proud of y'all.
  • Sad To Say (19/06/2026, 08:15) Like (19) Dislike (5) Reply
    But foreigners already took you all jobs
    • I see ... (19/06/2026, 09:24) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
      I see a whole lot of "foreigners" in those top spots. I bet when they go out into the world and become famous you will be quick to claim them though. set a hypocrites.
    • HAHA (19/06/2026, 12:36) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
      Most of these surnames sound “foreign” to me. Go figure
      • The creator (19/06/2026, 20:46) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
        you sound stupid, maybe you never come out of the hole you living in so you don't know the difference cultures living there now
  • Totally Awesome (19/06/2026, 08:28) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big congratulations and kudos to each and everyone of the students. These are our future. Embrace, support and invest in their future.
  • mehnknow (19/06/2026, 08:51) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Faulkner, Smith, Varlack, Thomas amongst those excelling. the VI future is in good hands
  • Congrats! (19/06/2026, 09:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well done graduates. I want to remind the ones who felt despondent on their own performance. It is by far not the end of the world (you will see this in your latter years and thank me), on the bright side you know what disappointment feels like so that should feed your hunger, dust off your knees and get back up on the horse. You all have what it takes to be great no matter what stage you are at. Perseverance, effort and prayer. I also want to remind the top performers that the playing field levels in the work environment for everyone and I mean everyone, so do not get complacent, keep pushing. You ALL are the future generation that can contribute to making the world a better place for everyone. Learn what it is to work together and respect everyone's strength while understanding everyone's shortcomings. Once again, congrats to everyone!
  • TJ (19/06/2026, 09:16) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! to Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Proud past student
  • Really? (19/06/2026, 10:13) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    Congratulations but I hear they lower the expectations and pass marks each year.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.