Edwin Allen High Launches Development Fund

The Edwin Allen High School in North Clarendon has launched a development fund, in an effort to provide financial assistance for educational and developmental projects at the school, as well as to assist needy students.

The launch took place on Friday (January 29) at an awards luncheon at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, where some 92 retired persons, long serving staff members and past Board members were honoured.

“We want to allow this fund to grow to a certain amount so that it can attract substantial interest and in time, portions of the interest will be allocated to fund scholarships for needy students, to assist with programmes at the school such as the sports programme and to provide assistance to the school where they cannot find the expenditure to carry out necessary repairs to the school for example,” Chairman of the Fund, and past student of the school, Coy Roache explained.

According to Mr. Roache the fund had a target of $10 million over five years, which would be gained through donations from various sources.

The fund was launched with a total of J$215,000 and the school is expected to begin benefiting from proceeds by the start of the 2005/2006 academic year.

The money will be used to provide equipment for the school’s laboratories, expand the Information Technology Resource Centre, construct new classrooms, contribute to the Library and Resource Centre, the nutrition and the sports programmes.

Meanwhile, guest speaker, and past student of the school, Alvin Day, encouraged teachers and parents to encourage their children and instill positive values.

“With the power of words, you have the opportunity to convert somebody who is hopeless and desperate from a broken home, to somebody who is going to lead this nation with dignity,” he said. Mr. Day was the first past student to be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame, which was also officially launched at the ceremony.

Retirees Viola Lewinson, Guy Larmond, Aston Binns, Lester Thompson, and Catherine Campbell were recognised for their sterling contribution to the institution.

They were presented with plaques of recognition, cash awards and citations.

In addition, long serving members of staff were recognized for service to the school ranging from 10 to 37 years.

Norma McKaine was named the longest serving member of the academic staff for her 37-year contribution.

Those who served 10-29 years received plaques while those who served 30-37 years received plaques and gift items.

Principal, Elroy Ricketts was also recognized for his service of 26 years to the school with 19 as Principal.

Past Board Members received certificates of recognition.