The Genevieve Smith Foundation awarded four outstanding graduates of Potters Primary School during the institution's graduation ceremony on July 8th at the Potters Seventh-day Adventist Church, according to Antigua Observer. The presentations honoured the legacy of the Foundation's late founder, Genevieve Smith — known lovingly throughout the community as "Teacher Gen."
The 2026 scholarship presentation marked the Foundation's third consecutive year of recognising deserving students and its first since Teacher Gen's passing on December 11, 2025. Despite her absence, the Foundation pressed forward, with her family affirming that her vision of empowering children through education remains as vital as ever.
Representing the Smith family was Teacher Gen's granddaughter, J'noure Smith-Kellman, who addressed graduates, parents, teachers, and invited guests. She reflected on her grandmother's life of service and the enduring importance of the Foundation's mission.
"This scholarship programme is our family's way of ensuring that my grandmother's legacy lives on," Smith-Kellman 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 particular emotional weight as the first held 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."
Teacher Gen devoted more than 50 years of her life to education, spending much of that time at Potters Primary School. She was widely recognised not only for her dedication in the classroom but for the love, encouragement, and guidance she offered to generations of students. Beyond teaching, she opened her home to children in need, fostering and raising dozens of young people throughout her lifetime. Her unwavering belief that every child deserved the opportunity to succeed earned her a place as one of the community's most respected and beloved educators.
A total of EC$2,000 was distributed through four scholarships of EC$500 each. The awards recognised students who demonstrated academic excellence, perseverance, personal growth, and exceptional character.
The 2026 recipients were: Top Female Student, Jerzaria Hamilton; Top Male Student, Tayzhoni Murrain; Most Improved Student, Zia Roach; and Exceptional Dedication and Potential Award, D'hanna Henry.
Smith-Kellman congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to continue striving for success as they transition to secondary school. She also extended congratulations to parents, guardians, teachers, and staff of Potters Primary School for their steadfast support throughout the students' primary education.
The Genevieve Smith Foundation remains committed to honouring Teacher Gen's life and legacy through its annual scholarship programme, investing in young people who embody the values of academic excellence, resilience, kindness, and service.
