The Genevieve Smith Foundation awarded four outstanding graduates of Potters Primary School during the institution's graduation ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Potters Seventh-day Adventist Church, continuing its mission to invest in the nation's youth.
According to Antigua News Room, the 2026 scholarship presentation marked the Foundation's third consecutive year of recognising deserving students — and its first since the passing of its founder, Genevieve Smith, widely known throughout the community as "Teacher Gen." Smith passed away on December 11, 2025, but her legacy of service, compassion, and educational excellence endures through the Foundation established in her honour.
Representing the Smith family at the ceremony was Smith's granddaughter, J'noure Smith-Kellman, who reflected on her grandmother's extraordinary life of service and the importance of carrying forward her vision of empowering children through education.
For more than 50 years, Teacher Gen devoted herself to education, spending much of that time teaching at Potters Primary School. She was celebrated not only for her classroom dedication but also for the love, encouragement, and guidance she extended to generations of students. Beyond teaching, she opened her home to children in need, fostering, nurturing, and raising dozens of young people throughout her lifetime. Her steadfast belief that every child deserved the opportunity to succeed made her one of the community's most respected and beloved educators.
Addressing graduates, parents, teachers, and invited guests, Smith-Kellman reaffirmed the Foundation's commitment to keeping Teacher Gen's legacy alive.
"This scholarship programme is our family's way of ensuring that my grandmother's legacy lives on," she said. "She dedicated her life to serving others, especially children, and she firmly believed that education could transform lives. Although she is no longer with us, her passion for helping young people continues through the work of the Genevieve Smith Foundation."
Smith-Kellman acknowledged that this year's ceremony carried special weight as the first following Teacher Gen's death.
"While this year has been one of tremendous loss for our family, it has also strengthened our resolve to continue what she started. Every scholarship we award is a reminder that her work did not end with her passing. It lives on in every child who is encouraged to pursue excellence."
A total of EC$2,000 was distributed through four scholarships of EC$500 each, recognising students who demonstrated academic excellence, perseverance, personal growth, and exceptional character.
The 2026 recipients were: Jerzaria Hamilton, Top Female Student; Tayzhoni Murrain, Top Male Student; Zia Roach, Most Improved Student; and D'hanna Henry, recipient of the Exceptional Dedication and Potential Award.
Smith-Kellman congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to continue striving for success as they transition to secondary school. She also extended her congratulations to the parents, guardians, teachers, and staff of Potters Primary School for their support in nurturing the students throughout their primary education.
The Genevieve Smith Foundation remains committed to honouring the life and legacy of "Teacher Gen" by investing in the educational development of young people and recognising students who embody the values of academic excellence, resilience, kindness, and service. Through its annual scholarship programme, the Foundation aims to ensure that her remarkable contribution to education continues to inspire generations to come.
