MARGIBI COUNTY ~ The 22nd Commencement Convocation of the UT–YMCA Community High School took on a tone of inspiration and purpose on Saturday, November 15, 2025, when Margibi University (MU) lecturer Prince S. D. Marley, Sr. urged graduates to enter the next stage of their education armed with confidence, resilience, and integrity.
Addressing the over one hundred graduates, Mr. Marley spoke on the theme “Self-Confidence in Pursuit of Tertiary Education.” He reminded the graduates that success in higher learning begins not only with academic preparedness but also with a strong belief in one’s own abilities.
“Self-confidence,” he explained, “is a positive belief in your own abilities, skills, and judgment to navigate options, challenges, achieve goals, and effectively handle various situations while seeking university education.” He stressed that as students transition from high school to higher learning, they will encounter new environments, unfamiliar academic expectations, and personal challenges that require inner strength and clarity of purpose.
To guide the graduates, Mr. Marley outlined eight essential characteristics that he said would help them stay grounded and excel in tertiary institutions. These included setting realistic academic goals, developing resilience in the face of setbacks, staying motivated and engaged, and adopting a proactive mindset when tackling challenges. He also emphasized the importance of healthy stress management, effective communication with parents, peers, and professors, and maintaining a personal sense of control over one’s academic journey.
Perhaps the most powerful of his points was the call for integrity ~ something he described as a virtue many struggle with but one that remains vital for success in higher education and beyond.
“In everything you do, let integrity guide your actions,” he urged. “It is necessary and very important for your tertiary journey.”
Mr. Marley concluded by encouraging the graduates to anchor their ambitions in prayer and seek God’s guidance as they pursue their dreams. He reminded them that with faith, discipline, and confidence, they can make meaningful contributions to society.
Presenting the progress report for the Class of 2024/2025, Principal E. Melvin Jallah described the graduates as a group defined by excellence.
“This class demonstrated excellence not only in the school but also in the national exams,” Jallah said. “Today, we’re proud to graduate 104 students.”
YMCA Branch Coordinator M. Jusu Sannoh extended gratitude to parents and staff for their unwavering support.
“Today the YMCA school is noted as one of the best in the country because of the support every parent and staff gives,” he said. Sannoh encouraged the graduates to pursue higher education, explore new opportunities, and continue making the institution proud.
Saturday’s ceremony drew a large crowd of families, educators, and community stakeholders, all gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates and witness their transition into a new chapter filled with hope, responsibility, and opportunity.
