John Gray High School Commemorates Easter with Inspiring Week of Worship and Student Talent

John Gray High School brought the meaning of Easter to life at its campus during a week of worship services held from April 14th to 17th in the school’s Performance Hall. Organized by the Religious Studies Department under the direction of Ms. Cassandra Ebanks, alongside the Music Department, English Department, Building Technology Department, Focus Campus Fellowship, Key Club Members, Life Skills Department Students, John Gray High School Senior Management, and a team of dedicated student leaders from the Prefect Body. The week featured five moving services—one for each year group—centered on celebrating Jesus’ sacrifice for our forgiveness and themed “Jesus Christ – Our Living Hope.”

The services contained a blend of spiritual reflection and student-led performances, highlighting the remarkable talents and faith of John Gray’s student body. Through stirring poems and solos, heartfelt trios, spirited dance routines, vibrant steel pan, string orchestra, and swing band renditions, and traditional folk singing, students creatively expressed the Easter message in a way that deeply resonated with their peers, teachers, and parents alike.

A special highlight of the week was the return of alumnus Jaedon Hanson as a guest speaker.  Jaedon, a past student of John Gray and aspiring ministerial student set to attend the Nazarene Theological College in England, shared a challenging gospel message of Jesus being our Living Hope encouraging students to embrace the hope we have in the resurrection and experience a transformed life by this power. His presence served as both an inspiration and a tangible example of the impact of faith-centered education.

The atmosphere throughout the week was one of appreciation, inspiration, and celebration of the talents of the students and the gift of Jesus’ death on the cross. Activities each day included the making of Palm Crosses; Easter Treasure Hunt and Prayer, Praise and Worship at the cross in the Atrium where students visited throughout the week, writing and sticking their prayer requests on the cross.  Each service concluded with a moment of reflection, where students were invited to take a meaningful next step—whether by accepting Jesus as their Savior, asking for prayer, or simply continuing the conversation about faith with a trusted adult.  Ms. Ebanks commented that most of the long-established schools in the Cayman Islands were church schools and were founded on solid biblical faith and instruction.  Today, our school is not just about turning out lawyers, doctors, accountants, and specialists in other fields, but also ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We still believe that when life starts happening to all people in their varied professions, and it appears as though everything is falling apart, it is the church that will provide stability and hope.  So God needs brilliant and dedicated minds for His cause on earth.  That’s the path Jaedon Hanson has chosen, and we are proud of his bold step for Christ.  These services remind our children that there is more to life.

The services not only celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ but also created a welcoming space for students to encounter faith and inspiration among their peers. In a world where young people often struggle to find meaning and connection, events like these remind the school community of the unifying and powerful role faith can play in our everyday lives.  Deputy Head Boy, Isaiah Myles commented that “being able to assist in planning and leading one of the most significant school assemblies of the academic year was a fantastic experience, especially since it is my final year at John Gray High School. This assembly is a very special occasion for the school; where students can come together to learn and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, and His sacrifice to cleanse us from our sins, whilst also showcasing their extraordinary talents in dance, song, music, speech, and poetry.”

John Gray High School continues to be a place where ‘Discipline, Excellence, and Pride go hand in hand with the spiritual growth and encouragement of the students.  Principal Clark noted, “I am truly blessed to lead a school with staff that care so deeply about our young people and recognize the need for moral and spiritual guidance and leadership as a strong base before academic success.”

The service on Thursday, 17th April 2025 was streamed live on the John Gray High School Facebook page and can still be viewed and experienced there if anyone missed it.