By By: Staff Writer
Voinjama, Lofa County — Akoi’s Loyal Academy School System ended its 2025/2026 school year on Friday, July 3, 2026, with a closing program at Liberty Church in Voinjama City. The event drew students, parents, teachers, local leaders, and other guests, with more than 100 people in attendance.
The ceremony recognized over 400 students from kindergarten to 12th grade and featured the graduation of about 15 kindergarten pupils.
Guest speaker James Papy Kwabo, a public speaker, youth advocate, and aspirant for Lofa County Electoral District #5, urged students to look past grades and certificates. In his keynote, “Beyond the Certificate: The Education That Truly Matters,” he argued that real education should be seen in one’s character, discipline, humility, and willingness to serve.
“Your certificate can get you through the door, but it’s your character, discipline, humility, and service that will take you further once you’re inside,” Kwabo said. He added that schooling should equip young people to think critically, speak honestly, work with integrity, respect others, and give back to their communities.
Reflecting on his own experience growing up in Lofa, Kwabo said many children from modest backgrounds need reassurance that their start in life does not set their limits. “Where you were born marks the start of your story, not the end of your possibilities,” he told the students. He encouraged them to reject background as an excuse, and to hold to discipline, perseverance, and integrity as the foundation for growth and public confidence.
He also advised the students to keep learning after graduation, guard their reputation, and apply their education to uplift others. “True success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by how much your life enables others to succeed,” he stated.
Several other speakers echoed Kwabo’s points on character, humility, resilience, and service.
The program was hosted by the school’s administration under Administrator and Proprietor Kolubah Akoi. Though the Voinjama District Education Office could not attend, it sent apologies. A number of community and district stakeholders were present.
The event concluded with the awarding of certificates and honors, closing the academic year with a focus on education built on discipline, accountability, and community service.
