Pastor Charles Brevitt, Vice President & PARL Governance West Jamaica Conference COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Hon. Audrey V Sewell, OJ, CD, JP Cabinet Secretary of the Office of The Prime Minister and the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation
Mission Statement Port Maria High and Preparatory School seeks to equip students for further education and for meaningful service here and in the here-after, through a broad based curriculum that develops their mental, physical, socialandspiritual faculties. Statement of Philosophy We believe that God is the Creatorand sustainer of the earth and the entire universe. He is the source of all knowledge and wisdom. In His image, man was created perfect, but through sin this perfection was marred. Seventh-day Adventist Christian Education, as offered here at Port Maria High and Preparatory School, seeks to restore the express image of God in imperfect man while fostering implicit faith in Christ; encouraging unselfish service to man and promoting fitness both for thelife thatnow isand is to come. Vision Statement Port MariaHigh and Preparatory School:the Premiere Institutionin St. Mary,working with God for the wholistic developmentof His children School Motto “With Godin the Lead, We Must Succeed”.
Dear Guests, Welcome! It is our pleasure to welcome you as we gather to celebrate this special and joyous occasion. Whether you are a returning friend or visiting us for the first time, we are delighted to have you share in this memorable celebration. To help ensure that our graduation activities proceed smoothly, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following: 1.Please keep your programme booklet throughout the graduation activities, including the Commencement Service. 2.Kindly be seated at least thirty minutes before the start of each event. 3.We respectfully ask all photographers to remain clear of the centre aisle, as this area is reserved for the official media team. 4.Please feel free to tour our campus and get acquainted with our school community and family. Thank you for your gracious cooperation and support. We trust that you will enjoy the weekend’s activities and create lasting memories with us. We are truly honoured by your presence and hope that this visit will be the first of many. Welcome, and enjoy the celebration!
RETROSPECT n the early 1960s, members of the Port Maria Seventh-day Adventist community recognized the need for a Christian educational institution to provide quality Seventh-day Adventist education for their children. Through faith, vision, and determination, this dream became a reality on February 14, 1963, when Port Maria Academy officially opened its doors with just five students. Indeed, it was a true Valentine’s Day gift to the community. The school initially operated from the vestry of the Port Maria Seventh-day Adventist Church. As interest in Christian education grew, enrollment quickly increased from five to twenty-three students. This rapid growth created an urgent need for additional space, prompting the church to allocate forty pounds toward the construction of a school building. Over the years, the institution, now known as Port Maria High and Preparatory School, continued to prosper and expand. Enrollment steadily increased and at one point reached approximately six hundred students. Although the school experienced financial challenges and declining enrollment during the late 1970s, it remained steadfast in its mission. Under God’s guidance and protection, the institution has endured and continues to fulfill its purpose of molding young minds and preparing students for service both in this life and in the life to come.
RETROSPECT CONT’D The success of the school is reflected in the achievements of its past students. Records indicate that two of the original five students later attained Master’s and Doctoral degrees. Many alumni have gone on to serve with distinction both locally and internationally as pastors, doctors, teachers, executive directors, business owners, managers, nurses, laboratory technicians, artisans, and other professionals. Their commitment to excellence and service was nurtured within the walls of this institution. The school also expresses sincere appreciation for the dedicated principals who, under God’s leadership, guided the institution through its various challenges and periods of growth: Mrs. Eustace Henry (deceased) Pastor James Persaud (deceased) Pastor James Wesley (deceased) Mr. Winston Preddie (Former Principal; presently Principal of May Pen High School) Mr. Vernon Cato Dr. Orlando Moncrieffe Dr. Stevel Beckford Mr. Carter Francis Sir Patrick Allen (Governor-General of Jamaica) Mr. Lincoln Llewellyn (deceased) Miss Janet Hynes (deceased) Pastor Michael Henry (Education Director, Jamaica Union Conference) Mr. Anthony Gordon Ms. Roan Perrin (deceased) Mrs. Carolyn Smith (Vice President, Northern Caribbean University) Mr. Brenton Scott (Publishing and Health Director, North-East Jamaica Conference) Ms. Audrey Brown (Education and Adolescents Director, North-East Jamaica Conference) Mrs. Doreen Wright-Brown
RETROSPECT CONT’D As the school continues to pursue academic excellence, its physical development also reflects its growth and progress. Extensive renovations have resulted in a modern lower and upper floor facility that houses the Early Childhood Department, Preparatory Department, and High School Division. The school remains deeply grateful to its many friends, donors, parents, guardians, and well-wishers whose sacrifices have supported numerous projects and programmes over the years. Special appreciation is also extended to the Central Jamaica Conference of Seventhday Adventists for its longstanding support and to the North-East Jamaica Conference for its continued guidance, assistance, and commitment to the institution’s development. To all who have contributed to the success of this school, we say thank you, and may God richly bless you. Above all, we give humble gratitude and praise to Almighty God as we continue to uphold the school’s cherished motto: “With God in the Lead, We Must Succeed.”
Message from the Education Director, Jamaica Union Board of Governors, principal and administrators, staff, parents, guardians and well-wishers, congratulations! You have worked hard and another group of stalwarts is here. As we celebrate the 2026 graduating class of Port Maria High and Preparatory School, we see beyond caps and gowns - recognizing them as achievers, visionaries, and overcomers who are poised as future leaders. Class of 2026! Congratulations on achieving this momentous milestone. Some of you began in the preparatory school, others joined later at the high school level, but today, you all cross the same finish line. Remember, success is not about how you start, but how you finish. Ecclesiastes 7:8 puts it this way: “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” Graduates, every achievement begins with a vision perceiving dreams that go beyond limitations, aligned with God's plan for your life. Your journey reflects perseverance through late nights, setbacks, and challenges, supported by dedicated teachers and mentors. Your persistence turned obstacles into stepping stones toward success. As you move forward, keep your vision enlarged by God’s guidance. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Your dreams are the blueprint of the extraordinary life God intends for you. Stay focused, persevere, and trust that every challenge is part of your path to greatness. Stephen Drummond Education Director, Jamaica Union of Seventh Day Adventist
Message from the Board Chairman It is with great joy and a deep sense of privilege, as Chairman of the Board, that I extend warm congratulations to our graduating class on this significant milestone. Today marks the successful completion of an important chapter in your educational journey and the beginning of exciting new opportunities. Our theme, "Perceiving Dreams, Achieving Goals," implores upon us that every great accomplishment begins with a dream, but it is faith, determination, discipline, and perseverance that transform dreams into reality. As you move forward, I encourage you to pursue your aspirations with courage, integrity, and unwavering trust in God. To our dedicated principal, teachers, and staff, thank you for your tireless commitment to nurturing the minds and characters of these young people. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom and will continue to shape lives for years to come. To our parents and guardians, thank you for your sacrifices, encouragement, and steadfast support. Your partnership with the school has been instrumental in the success we celebrate today. Graduates, the future is before you. Go forward with confidence, embrace every opportunity, and, by the grace of God, achieve the goals you have long dreamed of attaining. May your lives be marked by excellence, service, and faithfulness. Congratulations, Class of 2026! May God richly bless you as you continue your journey toward a bright and purposeful future. Pastor Danielo Daniels
Message from Education Director, North East Jamaica Conference You have been schooled in a tradition where education is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual powers. Ellen G. White illuminated this when she wrote, “The work of education and the work of redemption are one.” This means your ability to perceive dreams is your God-given capacity to envision a life of service, echoing Christ’s own mission. Your ability to achieve goals is the manifestation of His power working through your disciplined will. Whether you are taking your first steps into broader horizons or preparing for your next academic ascent, remember that every lesson learned, every challenge overcome, has been a step in your own redemption. Let your dreams be inspired by His love and your goals be pursued with His strength. Congratulations, Class of 2026! Ms Audrey Brown
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