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As the teachers were contacted, they became interested and excited about the idea as some have not seen the school since they left and more so because they have not seen some of their colleagues and friends in some cases over 30 years.
Last year Mrs Dottie Higgins called and proposed the idea for past teachers of JC to have an opportunity to see the new improvements to the institution that formerly employed them; Jamaica College. The idea of a Teachers' Reunion was born and past educators of JC were invited to attend the event scheduled 6 days before Christmas on December 19, 2015. As the teachers were contacted, they became interested and excited about the idea as some have not seen the school since they left and more so because they have not seen some of their colleagues and friends in some cases over 30 years.
Lieutenant Colonel Karen Smith
It was a welcomed treat having our special guest; USA Lieutenant Colonel Karen M. Smith who was making her first trip ever to Jamaica and Jamaica College was her first stop. The aspiring Humanitarian and Independent Anesthetist Contractor, was warmly welcomed by the teachers and quickly dived into the activities inclusive but not limited to volunteering assistance to the elderly, helping to feed them, push those who were wheelchair bound, as well as helping with some of the videography and photography.
Mr. Pitkin
We are sincerely grateful to Senator Ruel Reid, the Principal of Jamaica College for providing us with the use and access to the facilities for the event.
He was also instrumental in providing us with a liaison, the current Jamaica College Dean of Discipline; Mr Pitkin, who made sure that these highly valued Past Educators were comfortable as he was intimately involved in organizing their refreshments and led us on an informative tour that started from the library and ended at the new Jamaica College Museum.
Noel Lawrence
Special mention has to be made of my schoolmate and Attorney at Law, Noel Lawrence who was visiting from Florida and who through his own volition made the effort to contact me prior to the event to make sure all was well and to render his assistance.
He not only offered to share in the expense to (and did), but also was quite instrumental in providing transportation to two revered teachers who were now wheel chair bound and residing at nursing homes; retired educators, Mrs. Alice E. Holmes and Math teacher and former Dean of Discipline Mr. Samuel Cummings. Mr. Lawrence was so dedicated to honoring his former teachers that he made the tough decision to cancel his presence at a wedding of a dear friend at the other end of the island.
R.I.P Samuel Cummings
The ironical thing however, is that Noel took on the responsibility to transport Mr. Cummings to and from the event, not knowing how significant his actions would become.
We all witnessed Mr Cummings happily reuniting with his colleagues for one last time and seeing his beloved Jamaica College one last time. It is hard to fathom that everyone present at the Reunion was witnessing Mr. Cummings spending his last Christmas with him. He passed away exactly one month later on January 18, 2015. Condolences to his family and loved ones; “May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Alumni
A Fervet Thank You to the alumni that showed up to lend their support as well as make these teachers feel appreciated and on behalf of the teachers we appreciated the efforts you made to be present.
R.I.P. Ruel L. Taylor
We salute and offer condolences to the family of one of the longest serving Principals of Jamaica College who passed away during my flight to Jamaica on the 15th, he was certainly missed at the Reunion.
It was heartwarming to successfully reunite these treasured educators after decades of not seeing each other or my alma mater and it was a joy to witness their reunion as they formed new bonds while reflecting on their past.
Written By:
Sydney O. Murray
JC Alumni
Blue Memoirs
1/19/2015