Sister Mary Laurene Browne, former president of Stella Maris Polytechnic University, has charged members of the 2024/2025 graduates of Haywood Mission Institute (HMI) to strive for higher education to obtain a better and brighter tomorrow. Sis. Mary Laurene Browne charges to the graduates was contained in her keynote address during the 54th accolade program held on the main campus of the school on August 29, 2025. At the well-attended occasion, 130 students graduated from the 12th grade having successfully passed this year’s West African senior Certificate exams administered by the Monrovia Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC). “Education,” she said, unlocked many doors and paved ways to success, which often comes with pain associated with overnight study characterized by seriousness. Sis. Browne is one of Liberia’s renowned educator. She urged the graduates to explore the educational world, but should return home to help improve the growth and development of the country having succeeded in the educational world. She said in today’s competing world with the state of the ark technology, much can be done to progress from backwardness. Sis. Browne was born in Glataboe, Maryland County, southeastern Liberia. She has touched many lives educating the grateful population, including older ones. In a related development, the principal/administrator of HMI, Bishop Leo M. Simpson, announced his last official administration of program, and other related activities of the institute.
To the guests, Bishop Simpson said: I will resign as administrator/ Principal of the Haywood Mission Institute this September.” He meanwhile, thanked parents, instructors, students, support staff, who trusted their children and workforce into his care for the past 40 plus years imparting, providing knowledge over the years. He added: “I am leaving the scene, but I am turning things over to my daughter Mrs. Monique Simpson-Foray, as my successor. I belief in her ability, and trust that she will do well even more than I did.” He continued: Your school, the Haywood Mission, is still around, and is willing to do business with you as always.” Those who graced the occasion were two graduates, Hassan Kiawu and Sam Mumulu. Mr. Kiawu is the deputy director general for general media service at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), while Mr. Mumulu serves chief of clerk at the Supreme Court, Temple of Justice. HMI is the educational arm of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Incorporated. Founded in 1931 by Mrs. Mc. Bennett from the United States back to Africa, and situated on 10 acers of land in Old Road, Sinkor, outside Monrovia. The institute is a Christian school where the Bible among many other lessons take biblical education very serious through building strong relationship with God. It believes that when you build a close relationship with God, you begin to see things through His eyes. The HMI also believes it is bond that is forged in love and nurture through continual communication and trust.