-As AWARE International School Hosts Its Kindergarten Graduation Tomorrow
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia — Scores of promising Changemakers will mark their first major academic milestone tomorrow, July 4, 2026, when the AWARE International School System hosts its Kindergarten commemoration ceremony at the institution’s GSA Road campus in Paynesville.
The graduation will celebrate an exceptional group of 30 kindergarteners, including Queen Dearest Sammie, Eva V. Lewis, P. Tumu Bowier Jr, Fuaad M.D. Nyei, Maawonyeaka D.K. Kansuah, Fanta Malaika Talawally, P David N Dilah, Josie Ava Soko, Jasmine Khushlani, Grace Hawa Knuckles, Angela P.K. Jallah, Jodi Overflow Chea, Janice Delight Siehdi Williams, Joshua M. Ombeni, Jermaine C. Clark, and Wannie Mai-Lois Topor among others.
For the parents, tomorrow’s ceremony represents far more than an academic formality — it is a deeply emotional moment of pride and reflection on how much their children have grown. Mr. Robert Sammie and Mrs. Helen Nah Sammie, parents of graduand Queen Dearest Sammie, expressed overwhelming joy at their daughter’s impending accomplishment.
Mrs. Sammie, who affectionately calls her daughter “ma-ma,” described watching Queen Dearest graduate as a heart-filling experience that swells her with immense pride. “You light up every room the way you light up the dance floor,” she said, encouraging her daughter to keep dancing through life with joy, courage, and kindness while reminding her that this milestone marks only her first big stage. The Sammies concluded their message by telling their daughter they love her endlessly.
Her words: “Watching you graduate from kindergarten has filled my heart with a pride so deep it almost brings me to tears. I have seen you grow, shine, dance, and blossom into a joyful, brave, and kind little girl. You light up every room you enter — the same way you light up the dance floor with your energy, your confidence, and your beautiful spirit. Standing there on your first big stage, you showed courage beyond your years. You carried yourself with grace, sweetness, and that spark that makes you uniquely you. This moment is just the beginning of all the stages you will stand on, all the dreams you will chase, and all the greatness you will grow into.”
Admirers of Ms. Sammie have also reached out to her parents with messages of support, praising the Sammies for their parental care and guidance in bringing out what they described as “the light on the hilltop.” One well-wisher noted that Queen is destined to shine above the world and promised to attend the ceremony to cheer her on.
Similarly, Mr and Mrs. Justine K. Soko, the parents of Josie Ava Soko, shared heartfelt congratulations, noting how their daughter has transformed from a nervous child on her first day of school into the confident, smart six-year-old she is today. They urged her to keep learning, keep wondering, and always remember how much she is loved, expressing immense pride in the brave, kind, and intelligent young girl she is becoming.
A School Committed to Global Excellence
Founded in 2013, AWARE International School System has established itself as a premier educational institution in Liberia. The school is an official IB World School, authorized to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Under the leadership of Mr. Gopinnadhan Pillai and Mrs. Beena Gopinnadhan, the institution operates as an independent, non-partisan, and coeducational facility that welcomes pupils aged 18 months to 18 years. This year, AWARE records 60 percent female enrollment versus 40 percent male, with over 50 teachers on staff. The K2 (graduating) class, which enrolls approximately 30 students, is divided into two sessions of 15 each.
The school is committed to providing a positive and welcoming learning environment where every student is empowered to achieve excellence in both education and personal growth. AWARE emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and respect, creating a supportive atmosphere where each student’s unique abilities and potential are celebrated. The institution focuses on both academic success and character development, equipping students with the skills and values needed to become responsible, thoughtful, and compassionate global citizens.
AWARE offers a globally recognized curriculum that challenges and inspires students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Skilled and dedicated instructors work personally with each student throughout their educational journey. The Early Childhood Department implements a play-based curriculum guided by the Early Childhood Foundation Stage framework, serving children from birth to age six while fostering curiosity, self-discovery, and emotional well-being in a safe and stimulating environment.
The Language Arts Department builds strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while developing creativity, critical thinking, and a love for literature. The Mathematics curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, logical reasoning, and numeracy, helping students gain confidence in using math both in school and everyday life. The Science Department adopts an inquiry-based curriculum that nurtures future engineers, medical professionals, and researchers by encouraging curiosity, experiments, and innovation.
Students also explore history, geography, civics, and cultures to understand societies and global issues, preparing them to become responsible and informed global citizens. The world languages program enables students to acquire proficiency in French and Spanish through interactive lessons that explore Francophone and Hispanic cultures while building global awareness.
The Business and Entrepreneurship curriculum covers economics, organizational strategies, and decision-making while focusing on leadership, financial literacy, and practical communication skills. The Information Technology Department bridges the gap between digital users and digital creators by teaching standard office applications, programming as a cognitive skill, digital literacy, and media creation using smartboard-equipped computer labs with networked workstations and filtered internet access.
The Art and Design Department encourages personal expression through two-dimensional and three-dimensional projects, digital art, gallery visits, and cultural excursions while fostering critical and contextual thinking about visual arts across civilizations.
Co-Curricular Activities and Student Life
Co-curricular activities form an integral part of daily schedules at AWARE, enhancing resilience, leadership, creativity, and collaboration. Students can participate in athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, karate, and taekwondo alongside intellectual pursuits such as chess, debate, public speaking, symposiums, panel discussions, spelling bees, and creative writing. Language and culture offerings include Spanish, French, Kpelle, and philosophy, while arts programs encompass art and photography, dance, music, and drama. Vocational activities include tailoring.
School life extends well beyond academics at AWARE. The campus is designed to be safe, inspiring, and conducive to learning, with modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, playgrounds, and creative arts spaces. Students engage in hands-on projects, group activities, real-world problem-solving experiences, and creative writing initiatives. The school community celebrates through annual events including Aware Fest, the biggest celebration of culture, talent, and student creativity; yearly sports events; special day celebrations; science and art exhibitions; inter-school competitions; and cultural programs.
Student well-being remains a priority, with counseling support, mindfulness programs, and wellness initiatives ensuring students thrive both academically and personally. The school focuses on nurturing happy, confident, and resilient students through complete intellectual, social, emotional, and creative development.
Vision, Values, and Academic Pathways
AWARE International School System envisions becoming a leading educational institution that inspires passion for learning, nurtures curiosity, and empowers students to reach their full potential. The school aims to create a world-class, student-centered learning environment that prepares young minds for tomorrow’s challenges and opportunities while upholding the values of respect, integrity, and excellence.
The institution’s core values guide every aspect of its operations. The student-centered approach prioritizes the needs and well-being of each child, ensuring every student is supported, valued, and empowered. Excellence drives the school to pursue the highest standards in academic achievement, character development, and personal growth. Integrity requires honesty and ethical behavior in everything the school community does, fostering trust and transparency.
AWARE believes each student is a unique individual with distinct talents, needs, and potential, and the school’s personalized approach helps students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. The institution embraces holistic education that addresses intellectual, physical, emotional, and social needs, developing well-rounded, responsible individuals. Students develop a global perspective, understanding the interconnectedness of the world and their role in contributing to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful society.
The school is committed to providing all students access to an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive learning environment where they can succeed regardless of background or ability. The academic program is grounded in the Liberian National Curriculum and prepares students for key national and regional examinations including the LNAT, LPSCE, LJHSCE, and WASSCE. AWARE also offers the internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE curriculum, designed to build a strong academic foundation and prepare students for advanced studies.
The program includes O Level, AS Level, and A Level, providing a progressive pathway that develops critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and subject mastery through a learner-centered approach that encourages independent inquiry and global awareness. Additionally, AWARE operates the College of Professional Studies, offering certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs in Education and Information Technology.
