Three teachers from Merle Grove High were honored for contributing just over one hundred and six years to the teaching profession.   Those honored are current Vice Principal Veta Rowe for 26 years service, Enid Robotham, retired teacher of 37 years, and Joyce Taylor, retired teacher of 43 years of service.  The teachers were honored on Saturday night, June 30th  by the Merle Grove High School Past Students Association, Northeastern American Chapter, at its third annual fundraising dinner and dance at the Unity Church hall in Gettysburg, Virginia

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, lauded the teachers for their contribution to the education system.  He described them as unsung heroes who have changed many lives.  Ambassador Shirley also applauded the association for honoring the teachers and for their outstanding contribution their alma mater.  “It is in deed gratifying to note that you, who have been the beneficiaries of one of the most respected high school in Jamaica, have chosen to give back of your talent and resources to this venerable institution. Your active involvement in your alma-mater and Jamaica by extension is even more significant in light of the government commitment to make strategic engagement with the Diaspora one of its foremost policy objectives, “Professor Shirley said.

In delivering the key note address, Former Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nation, Curtis Ward urged the Jamaican Diaspora to form partnership with the Government of Jamaica to help improve the educational system.

Ambassador Ward said, “The reality is: no government in the history of Jamaica has ever been able to provide all of the resources needed to create the standard of education required to fulfill the educational needs, and to take the full advantage of the potential of Jamaica’s youth.”  There is an urgent need for the Diaspora to join hands with the Government to seriously look at ways to support the educational system which in the long run will be beneficial to our country, he said.

Ambassador Ward lauded the M.G.H.S. and similar organizations throughout the Jamaican Diaspora, for their contributions to the welfare of our children and the development of the learning environment from which the future leaders of Jamaica must emerge to the development of future generations of Jamaicans.

He commended the alumni’s for the work they have done, in assisting their schools to help current and future students. He encouraged the them to redouble their efforts as the needs are great but not insurmountable.

Back to Newss