Mineral Heights Christian Kinder-Prep Celebrates 25th Anniversary

In the heart of Clarendon, a small but determined community witnessed a dream take root and flourish into one of its most cherished institutions.

On September 1, the Mineral Heights Church of Christ, which was founded by Pastor Isaac Scott, was filled with gratitude as stakeholders gathered to kick-start the celebration of the Mineral Heights Christian Kinder-Preparatory School’s 25th anniversary.

The school, also founded by Pastor Scott, who currently serves as the Board Chairman, has grown from humble beginnings to become a beacon of hope and education, standing as a testament to the power of vision, faith and community.

When Pastor Scott relocated to Mineral Heights some 34 years ago, he carried with him three ambitious goals – to establish a church, a basic school, and a skills training centre.

At the Thanksgiving Service, Pastor Scott reflected on the journey that brought two of his dreams to life, noting that while the third vision has yet to materialise, “it’s still not too late for a shower of rain”.

His dream of building a basic school was initially modest, as he envisioned a small institution, perhaps serving around 50 students with a few teachers.

However, when the doors of Mineral Heights Christian Kinder-Preparatory School opened on September 6, 1999, only 13 students enrolled, supported by just two teachers and one cook.

While it was a humble beginning, it was one filled with determination and a deep sense of purpose.

The early days of the school were challenging as Pastor Scott recalls the tireless efforts of the small team.

They, however, worked around the clock, motivated by a shared belief in the importance of early-childhood education and a commitment to the community’s children.

Today, their hard work has borne fruit in ways that surpass even the Founder’s original vision.

Some 203 students are expected to turn out for the new school year today (September 2) and a dedicated staff of more than 30 members, all committed to nurturing and educating the next generation.

The school has not only grown in size but has also earned a reputation for providing high-quality education, becoming one of the best institutions in Clarendon.

“I personally never expected that we would get this far, having to put a cap on the number of students we can accommodate due to limited space,” Pastor Scott told JIS News.

Despite these challenges, he remains grateful and optimistic, trusting that the continued support from stakeholders will allow the school to thrive and expand even further.

The school stands as more than just an educational institution, it is a pillar of the community.

Over the years, it has become one of the largest employers in the area, providing economic stability for many families.

Pastor Scott is deeply aware of the school’s impact, and he has reassured the community that the school and its staff “will continue to give our best, so that your children will be the best”.

The Thanksgiving Service also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the school’s Co-Founder and Principal, Sharon Scott.

Originally from Mandeville, Mrs. Scott did not foresee a career in education when she moved to Clarendon.

Her aspirations were in business, but as she humbly puts it, “God knew what He had purposed for me to do, and I have no regrets.”

Mrs. Scott took a moment to express her gratitude, not only to her family, who supported her through the years, but also to the educators and sponsors who played crucial roles in the school’s development.

She particularly thanked her first Education Officer, from whom she learned invaluable lessons that continue to guide her leadership today.

“Together, we have allowed this institution to grow from strength to strength, and without God, it could not have been possible,” Mrs. Scott said.

As the school looks to the future, she is determined to “hold the name of Mineral Heights Christian Kinder-Prep high so that everyone can know that we are here by God’s grace”.

As the school community prepares to officially celebrate its 25th anniversary on September 6, the Thanksgiving Service served as a reminder of the foundation upon which the school was built — faith, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

The theme of the celebration, ‘Celebrating our Past – Soaring into the Future’, encapsulates the school’s journey.

As Pastor Scott and Mrs. Scott continue to lead the school, they do so with the knowledge that their work has made a lasting impact on countless lives, and while the dream of a skills training centre remains on the horizon, the Mineral Heights community can be proud of what has been achieved so far.