Nine teachers honoured at ‘magnetic’ Old Harbour High School reunion

Not to be left out, though, were some of their favorite teachers who were recognized too by an eternally grateful batch of students for the positive life lessons taught.

The all-white affair had a touch of purity and class about it inside the Unique Occasion ballroom, Marlie Mount on July 20 main.

But later on the dance floor many ditched the unadulterated appearance and get on bad to the latest soca, dancehall and reggae beats.

Mercene Gayle-Gordon, who chairs the committee, says the event was long in the making.

“My team and I felt it necessary to hold a reunion, because several persons have attempted in the past, unfortunately the idea never came to fruition. We were adamant and determined to see this one through,” she told Old Harbour News. “The task was not easy, because our committee members are not centrally located. We are so thankful for WhatsApp as it was our primary means of communication.”

Gayle-Gordon, who resides in the United States of America and operates her own business Sitting Pretty Party Rental, noted: “Our initial planning started two years ago, and needless to say from the beginning it was an uphill battle. Several naysayers, doubters and quitters, but thankfully we stayed the course.”

Approximately 30 past students were present for the grand reunification, while nine teachers - many now retired from the profession - were honoured on a memorable night.

Those honoured were Lloyd Miller, Jocelyn Valentine, Leacroft Clarke, Kirk Bailey, Vantryce Dorman, Victorene White, Ureal Smith, Sandra Murray and Lorine Francis.

“You guys were the first set of guys I taught at OHHS (Old Harbour High School), so to be awarded by the class of 1993 at their all-white reunion for my services in education which has molded them to be better men and women of the society today I was very emotional! Love you guys to the moon and back!” geography teacher Kirk Baily later wrote on his Facebook timeline after receiving his award.

To show her appreciation, Sandra Murray also shared on social media: “Batch of '93. Thanks for showing your appreciation to us. It was overwhelming. It shows the impact we had on you. We are so proud of you. Everything about the function was good... the food, the ambience and especially the beautiful people. Continue enjoying your vacation ladies and gentlemen. I wish you all the best life has to offer. Love you all.”

“We are overwhelmingly pleased with the turnout and are particularly proud of the fact that we were able to honor nine of our teachers for their contribution towards the constitution's educational system,” Gayle-Gordon added. “The atmosphere was magnetic.  Hugs all around, tears of joy as numbers were exchanged by batch mates, whom in most cases had not seen each other since high school.”

Guest speaker and current principal Lynton Weir lauded the organisers for their effort in a very passionate speech. Weir, a past student himself, urged the alumni to support their alma mater in whatever way possible in ‘pursuit of excellence’, which happens to be the school’s motto.

The reunion didn’t stop at the ball, however, with the group hosting a family fun day at Hellshire beach on the following day.

Now that they have accomplished what many thought would not happen for various reasons, Gayle-Gordon, says the success at their first attempt has given them the impetus to make the next staging bigger and better.
 
“Reunion 2019 is behind us but we are still on a high from the school spirit that was experienced.  We are now focusing on Reunion 2021

“Our goal is to work closely with the school to try and see how best we can align our goals with the school’s vision,” she said.