Graduation Highlights

Toledo Community College awards diplomas to 178 graduates

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 11, 2026

   The Toledo Community College’s Class of 2026 – consisting of 178 graduates—received their high school diplomas in the school’s 43rd commencement exercises, held under the theme: “The tie of our lives: honoring the journey behind us and embracing the dream ahead,” at the TCC auditorium in Punta Gorda Town last Thursday morning, June 4. Of these, 36 had majored in Business Arts, 32 had majored in the Sciences, 28 chose Agriculture, 29 majored in Tourism Management, 24 majored in the Academic Arts, and 31 specialized in Industrial Technology. Among these, 52 had been on the honor roll during their 4th year.

   “I wish you bravery. I want you all to be brave and stand firm in anything you choose to do in life. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing to move forward even when fear is present,” valedictorian Yi Qing “Semy” Huang encouraged her peers. “Above all else, I wish you ambition. I want you all to chase whatever dreams you have planned ahead in the future, to strive and work your hardest to achieve beyond what you have imagined. Be the best versions of yourselves you can ever imagine to be, and believe that you CAN and WILL be something great! … We are not saying goodbye to who we are, but hello to who we are becoming,” she concluded.

   Guest speaker Maxwell Castillo, a Belize Defence Force captain, reminded the graduates that they should strive to become people of purpose, discipline, courage and service.

   Science major Kallij Pop had achieved the 2nd highest grade point average, and delivered the salutatory address. Josiah Tanner achieved the 3rd highest GPA, and thanked all his teachers for the many happy memories, his only lament being that the past 4 years had flown by so fast!

Wesley College awards a record 170 graduates

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 11, 2026

   Wesley College achieved history with the largest graduating class ever – the Class of 2026 – 170 graduates who received their high school diplomas in commencement exercises at the Belize Civic Center in Belize City last Saturday morning, June 6. Of these, 48 had achieved the honor roll. The ceremony was held on the theme from Florence Griffith-Joyner: “Nothing is going to be handed to you. You have to make it happen.”

   Top student Chris Hanan Lelievre delivered the valedictory address. Salutatorian Jenevieve Saki, who had achieved the 2nd highest grade-point average, gave the welcome address; and Kaden Westby delivered the vote of thanks.

   Businessman Fabian Chang, a Wesley College alumnus, was the guest speaker, who shared insights of his journey to become who he is now. He admitted that Wesley College would always be his home.

   Attorney Orson Elrington, also a Wesley alumnus, awarded tuition scholarships to the Male and Female Athletes of the Year: Jayven Norales and Summer Francis.

54 graduate from Sadie Vernon Technical

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Wed. June 10, 2026
The Sadie Vernon Technical High School’s Class of 2026 – consisting of 54 graduates, 26 young ladies and 28 young men—received their high school diplomas in commencement exercises held under the theme, “Fall, Rise, Succeed Like a Champion,” at the Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts in Belize City last Thursday evening, June 4. Of these, 23 had majored in business management, and 31 specialized in technical and vocational subjects.
“These past four years taught me that faith, patience and determination can carry you through even your hardest moments,” remarked valedictorian Athany Andrews, as she thanked her parents and teachers who had contributed to her achieving the highest grade-point average: 93.5. “Do not be afraid to dream big and stand out. Never allow anyone to convince you that you are incapable of greatness,” she counseled her peers. “As we leave Sadie Vernon Technical High School, let us not only chase success, but also chase purpose. Be fearless. Be ambitious. Be grateful. Tonight is not the end of our story, but it is the beginning of a brand-new chapter. So, dream boldly, work hard, pray harder, and never stop believing in yourself,” she said.
Guest speaker Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh challenged the graduates to make a change, to choose to make a difference in our society.
Salutatorian Ziane Sinclair had achieved the 2nd highest grade point average: 91.2, and delivered the welcome address. Jasmin Sanchez achieved the 3rd highest GPA: 90.5, and gave the vote of thanks.

Orange Walk Technical holds 40th commencement exercises

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 11, 2026

   The Orange Walk Technical High School (OWTHS) Class of 2026 received their high school diplomas in the school’s 40th commencement exercises at the OWTHS auditorium in Orange Walk Town last Saturday, June 6.

   Glimarris Burgos had achieved the highest grade-point average and delivered the valedictory address.

   Salutatorian Emerson Uh gave the welcome address, and Leany Patt, who ranked 3rd in academic achievement, delivered the vote of thanks.

   CEO Jose Urbina of the Ministry of e-Governance was on hand to present the awards.

Ladyville Technical High awards 103 graduates

By William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 11, 2026

   The Ladyville Technical High School (LTHS) Class of 2026 – 103 graduates received their high school diplomas in the school’s 24th commencement exercises, held on the theme: “Excellence is a habit, leadership is our future,” at the Ramada Princess Hotel in Belize City last Saturday evening, June 6.

   Of the 103 graduates, 26 had majored in Business Arts, 11 had majored in the Sciences, 13 chose Agriculture, 25 majored in Tourism Hospitality, 21 majored in Construction, and 7 specialized in Electrical. Among these, 46 had achieved the honor roll for their 4th year.

   Shamiah Cadle had achieved the highest cumulative grade-point average for her junior and senior years, and delivered the valedictorian address. Her 4th year GPA was 93.23.

   LTHS alumnus Collin Smith was the guest speaker, and school principal Diane Westby M.Ed. presented the diplomas.

   Salutatorian Samantha Ruiz (GPA 94.20 in 4th year), gave the welcome address; and Mahalia White, who ranked 3rd in academic achievement (GPA 94.26 in 4th year), delivered the vote of thanks.