-As He Serves As Guest Speaker at its 2025 graduation ceremony
By Jerromie S. Walters
Gbarnga, Bong County – William K. Howard, Founder and Executive Director of the Field Empowerment Foundation of Liberia (FEFFL), served as the Guest Speaker at the 2025 graduation ceremony of Christ Mission Ministries School System in Gbarnga, Bong County, where he announced significant donations to support the school’s staff and students.
As a tangible demonstration of his foundation’s commitment to education, Howard announced several donations: a cash gift of 10,000 Liberian Dollars to the school staff in recognition of their hard work, two full scholarships for the most underprivileged students to ensure they continue their education, and academic packages for the top-performing students (Dux) of the K-2 and Grade 6 classes to reward excellence.
During his address, the keynote speaker challenged the graduates to embrace the lifelong journey of growth, integrity, and purposeful living. He emphasized that education extends far beyond exams. “It is about preparing your mind and heart for life,” he said. “Critical thinking, responsibility, and purposeful living—these are the true marks of an educated individual. Keep your minds open. Stay curious. Never stop learning.”
For returning students, his advice was equally compelling: “Sharpen your focus. Every lesson, every assignment, is a stepping stone toward your dreams. Listen, question, read widely—and above all, believe in yourself.” Speaking as both a guest and a father, Howard urged students to recognize their potential while grounding their aspirations in hard work. “Each of you has a gift,” he said. *”But dreams don’t work unless you do. Talent without discipline is wasted. Intelligence without humility is dangerous. Success without integrity is empty.”
He advised students to set clear goals, avoid distractions, and choose role models wisely—not just the wealthy or famous, but those who lead with kindness, humility, and purpose. Howard reminded students that their future is in their hands. “The pen you hold today isn’t just for exams—it’s the tool you’ll use to write the story of your life,” he said. l”Will it be a story of strength? Wisdom? Courage? That choice is yours alone.”
Meanwhile, Howard emphasized the importance of collective effort in education, praising the dedication of parents, teachers, and students alike. He expressed deep appreciation for parents, whom he described as the unsung heroes behind their children’s success, acknowledging their sacrifices in ensuring their children’s academic progress.
He encouraged them to remain actively involved in their children’s learning, stressing that their guidance and presence are just as crucial as financial support. “Today, we see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you. But even as we celebrate, let me encourage you to stay the course. Education does not end with the closing of a school term or the handing over of a report card. In fact, your role becomes even more crucial as your children grow older and face new challenges,” he said.
Howard emphasized, “ They will need your guidance, your wisdom, your discipline, and your presence more than ever. Support does not always come in the form of school fees or textbooks. Sometimes, the greatest support you can give is simply being there, listening to their stories, attending school meetings, reading with them at home, or helping with homework. These small acts build confidence, shape identity, and create a bond that no classroom can replace.”
The keynote speaker also paid tribute to the school’s teachers and administrators, calling them nation-builders whose work shapes Liberia’s future. “To our teachers and school administrators, I offer my deepest respect and admiration. Your job is not easy, yet you perform it with courage, patience, and dedication. In your hands rest the minds and morals of the next generation. You are not just educators; you are nation-builders,” he hailed them.
Howard further rained praises on the teachers, “You do more than teach subjects, you shape lives, one lesson, one word of encouragement, and one act of care at a time. Never doubt the value of what you do. The seeds you have planted in these children will grow into the leaders, innovators, and servants of tomorrow. Your work is eternal, and though you may not always see the fruit immediately, know that your efforts are never in vain.”
In his closing remarks, Howard called on the entire community to unite in supporting education, emphasizing the need to raise a generation that excels not only academically but also morally and socially. He expressed hope that the donations would serve as both an encouragement and an investment in the school’s future.
