Janell Gunter urges parents to speak positivity over children

Speaking to the graduates through engaging mini-stories, Gunter illustrated how determination, imagination, and faith propelled her toward her life’s major goals. Reflecting on generational differences, she praised today’s parents for their active role in shaping their children’s futures. 

“If I were born in this era, I would be on my way to being the Prime Minister of Jamaica because of the investment that would be given to me. Parents nowadays are very involved, and I love it. Back in my day, I had to go carry water; I had to go down a yam bush; tie out goat and feed fowl. I was not sensitized to a lot of things, especially how to get homework done and other things. Today’s parents push you towards a positive future, so I want to tell you to keep doing what you are doing because it does make a difference.”

Held under the theme ‘Imagine, Believe, and Achieve’, the ceremony saw the infant graduates — dressed in crisp uniforms and white sashes — march proudly as loved ones sang along to CeCe Winans’ Goodness of God. 

Gunter, a restaurateur and entrepreneur, emphasized that parental encouragement unlocks children’s potential. 

“Speak life and positivity over your children and when you scold them, you say ‘get away from here you businesswoman’ or ‘go and pick up your book you senator’,” Gunter said. “Speak greatness into them because one day they will be sitting in your space, having a great impact on this society so continue to show up for them in all of their activities, great and small.” 

The event also celebrated academic excellence, with awards for top performers in spelling, reading, attendance, and improvement. Valedictorian Kyra Henry recounted memorable school activities, including trips to Devon House and the zoo, while Vice Principal J. Johnson affectionately called ‘Uncle Jabba’ kept the programme lively. 

Cultural performances, a sign-language rendition of ‘Children of Yesterday’s Dreams’, an Afrobeat dance to ‘I Have a Very Big God’, and a class performance of ‘We Are the World’, highlighted the students’ talents. The graduates also honored parents with roses. 

Among those copping the Most Helpful award were Ishielon Humes, Shanoya Bonito, Zeneil Peart, Anthony Gordon and Kamari Ronaldson. While Academic Improvement prizes went to Kiara Richards, Dashanae Stewart, Tyrek Marsh, Rusheika Jones, Akera Beckford and Twayne Robinson. Top Attendance certificates were presented to Destiny Blake, Oneika Henry, Tiana Robinson and Rushane Foga. The Spelling Bee champions recognised were Christonio Graham, Jaylen Innis, Dalphanique Bryce and Zaniah Green plus the top readers who included Maceo Robinson and Kyra Henry received book grants. The 2025 Best Reader trophy went to Kyra Henry.

Among the standout items were students doing a sign language piece to ‘Children of Yesterday’s Dreams’; an afro-beat dance rendition to ‘I Have a very Big God’ in addition to the entire graduating class singing ‘We Are the World’. The graduating class also did a tribute to the parents by presenting them with roses.

Established in 1973 the Davis Primary and Infant School, was built as a gift to Jamaica from the Canadian Government. Today the school, based in Bannister, remains a cornerstone of education in Old Harbour, nurturing future leaders through its motto: Strive for Excellence.