Solomon Islands: St Joseph’s Tenaru Celebrates Class of 2026 and Farewells Long-Serving Marists
St Joseph’s College Tenaru celebrated its 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony on Saturday, 24 October, under the theme "Rooted in Faith, Strive for Excellence", recognising the achievements of students completing Years 9, 11 and 12.
Among the graduates were 104 Year 9 students, 98 Year 11 students and 130 Year 12 students. National examinations for all three year levels began on Monday, 26 October, marking the next important step in the students’ academic journeys.
The celebrations began on Friday, 23 October, with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Bishop Christopher Cardone.
The ceremony also paid tribute to Theresa and Martin Hou for their more than 30 years of service to the school. Long-standing Champagnat Lay Marists, the couple have demonstrated a lasting commitment to the school community and the Marist mission.
St Joseph’s head boy urges graduates to be responsible
The outgoing Head Boy and 2026 Dux student Bernard Jean Mario Garo has urged fellow graduates to value their parents’ sacrifices, uphold good values and become responsible members of their communities beyond the classroom.
Speaking during the school’s 2026 graduation and prize-giving ceremony on Saturday, October 24, Mr Garo reminded graduates that success is not measured by the number of awards they receive but by the personal growth they achieve throughout their education.
Mr Garo acknowledged the sacrifices made by parents and guardians to support their children’s education, particularly amid rising living costs and inflation.
He said parents continued to provide financial and other support to ensure their children could attend St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School despite the economic challenges facing families.
“Our parents are spending so much for our education here at St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School, and the least we could do as good sons and daughters is to be responsible students,” he said.
Mr Garo also thanked teachers for their commitment and support both inside and outside the classroom, acknowledging their efforts despite the challenges faced by students and the wider community.
He expressed appreciation to the graduation organising committee for their hard work in making the occasion possible.
On behalf of the graduating class, he also apologised to teachers, fellow students and parents for times when students had failed to meet their responsibilities.
He called on students to care for one another and promote harmony within the school community, urging them to replace gossip and negative behaviour with kindness and respect.
Mr Garo said students leaving the school should carry forward the positive values they had learned, while those continuing their studies should keep developing the good habits and character instilled in them.
Addressing his fellow graduates, he said their achievements should be judged by their willingness to make sacrifices and become better people, rather than by the awards they received.
He also recalled the message delivered by Bishop Jacob Ava during the school’s confirmation Mass earlier this year, which emphasised that education should help people improve themselves, know and love God, and become good stewards of creation.
Mr Garo acknowledged that not all graduates will eventually secure comfortable office jobs in town, but encouraged them not to be discouraged by the different paths their lives might take.
He urged the graduates to use the knowledge, values and personal growth gained at St Joseph’s to navigate life’s challenges and contribute positively to their communities.
Speech coverage by John Houanihau, Island Sun. Read the original story here: St Joseph’s head boy urges graduates to be responsible | Theislandsun
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