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Graduation group photo with Governor Ajamu G. Baly and Member of Parliament Christopher L. Wever (centre), parents and the graduates.
PHILIPSBURG--721 Kids Foundation School celebrated its first-ever graduation ceremony on Sunday, September 27, honouring 12 students of the Class of 2026.
The ceremony, held at the National Institute of Arts (NIA), brought together graduates, families, teachers, staff and members of the community to mark the milestone.
Governor Ajamu G. Baly and Member of Parliament Christopher L. Wever also attended the ceremony.
The school, a non-government-subsidised institution, provides educational and developmental opportunities for children with special educational needs. The graduation marked an achievement for the students, their families and educators, as well as the foundation’s continued work in supporting children with different abilities.
Held under the theme “Different Abilities, Endless Possibilities”, the ceremony focused on the students’ individual journeys, growth, perseverance and achievements.
In her address, the Managing Director of 721 Kids Foundation said the ceremony represented more than the presentation of certificates.
“Tonight is about much more than receiving a certificate. Tonight is about celebrating a journey. A journey of learning, growth, challenges, achievements, and perseverance,” she said.
She said every child has abilities that can emerge with patience, encouragement, creativity and the right environment.
“We believe that every child has abilities. Sometimes those abilities are immediately visible, and sometimes they require patience, encouragement, creativity, and the right environment to discover. But every child has something valuable to contribute,” she said.
Of the 12 graduates, 10 will continue into the 721 Kids Foundation Skills Programme, where they will develop practical, vocational and independent-living skills. Two students have transitioned into mainstream education.
The Managing Director said the different pathways represented progress for each student.
“A challenge may change the path, but it does not have to determine the destination,” she said. “Sometimes the journey takes longer. Sometimes the pathway looks different. Sometimes progress happens through small steps rather than giant leaps. But progress is progress.”
The ceremony also recognised the support of parents, guardians, teachers and staff throughout the students’ educational journeys. The school thanked families for their continued commitment and educators for helping students develop their skills, confidence and independence.
The presence of Baly and Wever underscored the importance of educational opportunities for children with special educational needs, the school said.
“Every child deserves an education that recognises their abilities, nurtures their strengths, and prepares them for a meaningful future,” said the Managing Director.
As the Class of 2026 begins its next chapter, graduates were encouraged to continue believing in themselves and to recognise that success does not follow one path.
“You do not have to be like anyone else to be successful. You simply have to continue becoming the best version of yourself,” she said.
The first graduation marks a milestone for 721 Kids Foundation School as it continues to provide an educational environment in which students’ abilities can be recognised and developed.
