Lester Vaughan highlights progress, challenges at Speech Day

Lester Vaughan School has signalled a new phase of growth, unveiling upgraded facilities and improved academic performance figures, even as it continues to grapple with sluggish internet connectivity and learning disparities between male and female students.

Highlighting a year defined by physical transformation and academic recovery, the school’s annual Speech Day, held at the Cane Garden, St Thomas school under the theme, “Rooted in Values and Rising in Excellence”, featured reports from Principal Suzette Holder and Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Donley Carrington, both of whom painted a picture of a school successfully navigating the post-pandemic landscape through modernised facilities and a diversified curriculum.

Dr Carrington announced significant capital investments aimed at aligning the school with international standards. A centrepiece of this development is a new state-of-the-art cosmetology and barbering laboratory, opened in partnership with #1 Beauty Supplies and officially commissioned by the Minister of Education Transformation Chad Blackman.

“In keeping with our commitment to education transformation and institutional development, we have undertaken several key initiatives by making significant investment in enhancing our instructional facility,” Dr Carrington said.

He further noted that the board has upgraded the technical drawing laboratory, ensuring students now have access to 3D design and modelling software.

But the chairman was candid about the school’s digital hurdles, remarking that “one of our major constraints affecting our ability to deliver content and instruction at the highest level is our internet infrastructure, which currently operates at what can only be described as prehistoric speeds in a modern digital age”.

Principal Holder presented a five-year analysis of CXC results, showing a resilient upward trajectory despite global challenges. While the pass rate fluctuated from a low of 40 per cent in 2022 to a peak of 55 per cent in 2023, the 2025 results stabilised at a positive 53 per cent.

Holder observed that “the data reveals fluctuating but improving overall performance across the five-year period”, adding that the school demonstrates a “resilience to strong rebounds after a decline.”

While female students continue to lead in participation and entry numbers, Principal Holder noted that the data prompts a need for reflection, as “a number of young men did not complete the examination process as expected”.

She emphasised that the school must remain “intentional in our efforts to support and engage all students, particularly our boys”.

The principal shared a stirring example of the school’s “indomitable spirit”, highlighting student Devonte Walcott, who captured a silver medal in the Under-15 High Jump at the BSSAC Championships despite the school’s lack of facilities.

“Lester Vaughan School does not have a high jump pit,” Holder remarked. “Yet, still, he rose—literally and figuratively—to claim silver at the national level. Can you imagine the heights to which we could soar if we were equipped with the necessary resources?”

The school is also moving toward a more practical, “industry-ready” curriculum. New and expanded Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) offerings will soon include furniture making, refrigeration, and air conditioning.

“We are moving with intention to infuse our curriculum with expanded CVQ offerings, pathways that really fit our students with tangible skills, ignite their passions, and prepare them to thrive in an ever-evolving world of work,” Holder explained. She envisioned a future where the school becomes “fully self-sufficient in managing events within this illustrious auditorium” through new live sound engineering programmes.

The school community welcomed several leadership transitions effective September 2025. Dr Michelle Edwards joined as deputy principal, while Deborah Swanston assumed the role of head of the mathematics department.

“These transitions reflect both the growth of our educators and the continued strengthening of our academic leadership,” the principal said. Both leaders concluded by thanking the “village” of teachers, parents, and corporate partners, reminding students to “remain rooted in your values as you pursue excellence in all that you do”.