Years of Hard Work at ACC, One Graduation List: Who Made It?

For many students, it’s the moment they’ve been waiting years for, the day their hard work either pays off or falls just short. At Anglican Cathedral College today, tension and excitement filled the air as students crowded the campus, eyes fixed on the graduation list. After years of exams, pressure, and long nights, it all came down to a single moment. But behind the cheers and celebrations are powerful stories of resilience, students who pushed through personal struggles and academic challenges to earn their place at the top. Shane Williams has more on the triumph behind the moment.

 

Shane Williams Reporting…

There were screams, hugs and tears of joy at Anglican Cathedral College today as students gathered for one of the most anticipated days of the school year, graduation list day. Principal Paulette Augustus says the moment is the payoff after years of dedication and hard work.

 

Paulette Augustus, Principal, Anglican Cathedral College

“It’s been a, it’s been a long, exciting week and a half that we have been anticipating this day. It’s the culmination of the years of study the blood, sweat, and tears, per se.”

 

And among the school’s standout students this year is valedictorian Ayeesha Longsworth, whose journey to the top was not always easy.

 

Ayeesha Longsworth, Valedictorian, Anglican Cathedral College

“I faced academic challenges in first form. I struggled a lot with math. And over the years, with the help of Ms. Martinez, she really brought out that excellence in me.”

 

Longsworth says her family and faith kept her motivated through the difficult moments.

 

Ayeesha Longsworth

“I’d like to thank my parents for ensuring that I always came to school. And even if they struggled, they didn’t let me see. And I want to say thanks to my grandmother, who is my spiritual guide. She taught me to keep the faith, that keep God the center of my life.”

 

Third place student, Bristol Salazar says remaining at the top academically was a challenge all on its own.

 

Bristol Salazar, Third Place, Anglican Cathedral College

“The most difficult thing was trying to make sure you have a ninety and above across each classes, because I’m a person, I always want to be on a roll no matter which class I’m in.”

 

Shane Williams

What was it like when you found out you were in the top five?

 

Bristol Salazar

“Oh my gosh, I was so excited and grateful that I became one person out of the top five.”

 

And Justin Lee, the only boy in the school’s top five this year, says discipline was one of his biggest hurdles.

 

Justin Lee, Fourth Place, Anglican Cathedral College

“A few challenges that I faced were dedication problems. Coming to school every day was a hard thing for me because I like play. And the focus on school mi hard, but my best friend, helped me out. And my ma and my parents helped, push me to the right direction.”

 

Shane Williams

And now how does it feel that has paid off?

 

Justin Lee

“Feel good. I feel happy that I did graduate and noh have to go through this again.”

 

Augustus says she will remember this class for its resilience and says perseverance will be their key to success.

 

Paulette Augustus

“My message to my 2025-2026 graduation class is perseverance, determination, self-will. Knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of your lives and what is it that he plants there, it only grows.”

 

Shane Williams for News Five.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

Watch the full newscast here: