Caribbean Lottery Helps Anguilla School’s Graduation Celebration with Post-Hurricane Donation

The Valley, Anguilla, 13 June 2018: Caribbean Lottery in Anguilla supported the Adrian T. Hazell Primary School with a monetary donation of EC$1,000 toward the cost of the school’s graduation ceremony.  The cheque handover by Caribbean Lottery representatives took place on June 13.

The donation was used to help with the cost of plaques for the 44 graduates, as well as prizes of book vouchers and other items that will prepare them for high school. “We are all very thankful for this support,” said Principal Traclyn Hamilton. The school graduation celebration was held on June 27.

Adrian T. Hazell Primary School was badly affected by Hurricane Irma, which hit the island on September 6, 2017. This was the year in which the school was celebrating its 50th anniversary. All of its older buildings were lost, including the IT department, and it is now confined to one building with eight classrooms. The assembly hall was badly damaged, noted Ms. Hamilton, so the school sought an alternative venue for the graduation ceremony. 

“We were delighted to make this donation at the end of what has been a very tough year for the school,” said Ms. Paula Williams, Site Operations Manager at Caribbean Lottery. “The school has worked hard through fundraising efforts and has built back the morale of its staff and students. We wanted to help them as they bounced back from the devastating impact of the hurricane.”

The school in South Hill, The Valley is one of six public schools on the island, with a population of 333 boys and girls aged five to 12 years, including a kindergarten and special needs unit. “We gave our graduates awards not only for academics, but also for character and for sports. We believe in the all-round personal development of our students,” noted Ms. Hamilton. In terms of character, awards are presented for perseverance, attendance and good behavior.

“This has been a very challenging school year for us,” said Principal Hamilton. “We appreciate the generosity of Caribbean Lottery, which gave our graduates a boost, just as the school was getting back on its feet. This was a very timely donation, and we are grateful.”