Fr John Adai urges St Joseph’s Tenaru graduates to avoid distractions, make wise choices and remain committed to education.
By Steven Kamoa
Excessive mobile phone use, addictive habits and negative peer influence are among the challenges affecting young people’s educational development, Catholic priest Fr John Adai said at St Joseph’s Tenaru Secondary School’s 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Day.
Speaking as Guest of Honour, Fr Adai urged students to manage distractions, choose their friends carefully and remain committed to their education as they prepare for life beyond secondary school.
He identified excessive mobile phone use, addictive habits and negative peer influence as major concerns, saying poor choices could undermine students’ opportunities and future aspirations.
“Poor decisions could affect students’ opportunities and future aspirations, encouraging graduates to take responsibility for their choices and use their time and talents wisely.”
“Opportunity does not always come twice,” he said.
Addressing the graduates under the theme, “Rooted in Faith, Strive for Excellence,” Fr Adai said education required more than academic qualifications. He said discipline, responsibility, good character and sound decision-making were also important as young people moved into the next stage of their lives.
“That certificate only tells you that it is the end of a beginning. Work starts now!” he said.
Fr Adai reminded graduates that completing school marked the beginning of new responsibilities. He encouraged them to continue learning, develop practical skills and use their education to contribute to their families, communities and Solomon Islands.
Fr Adai also highlighted the roles of parents and teachers in guiding young people towards responsible adulthood.
He said education should support students’ intellectual, spiritual, social and moral development, preparing them for both personal achievement and service to their communities.
He acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of parents, guardians and teachers throughout the students’ educational journeys.
Fr Adai encouraged graduates to use their knowledge, creativity and talents to contribute to positive change rather than focus solely on personal success.
Referring to the biblical teaching in Micah 6:8, he urged the students to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.
The school’s 2026 Graduation and Prize-Giving Day celebrated students’ achievements and marked their transition to the next stage of their educational and personal development.
Fr Adai encouraged the graduates to carry the school’s theme into their daily lives, using faith, discipline and service to guide their future decisions and goals.
