Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
(L) Singing sensation Karen Smith (centre) serenades Sister Jossett Lee (left) and Miss Lucille McLellan during the Farewell Banquet for the Franciscan Sisters last Saturday night.(R) From left: Dr. Desiree Chambers and Sandra Chin in a jovial mood. Trevor Carby (centre) pays attention to other things at the bar at Day O Plantation. - PHOTOS BY JANET SILVERA
WESTERN BUREAU:
BUILDING CHARACTERS, shaping lives, the development of the whole person, were just some of the words used to describe the Franciscan Sisters as the Mt. Alvernia Past Students Association paid tribute to ladies of Allegany last Saturday night.
The event, 'An Evening of Excellence' in honour of the contribution of 80 years of service to the community, bringing to end an era in the life of Mt. Alvernia High School was well attended by past students from all over the island.
The Farewell Banquet was held at Day O Plantation in Fairfield, St. James.
The devoted 'Sisters' had served unselfishly since they first came to Jamaica about 1878 to perform as foreign missionaries primarily in the field of education. They began their work at the Immaculate Conception Academy (now Immaculate Conception High).
Their zeal saw them soon embracing other institutions, and one such institution was the school on the hill overlooking the city of Montego Bay, 'where the students fond and true, are all the staunch supporters of the glorious brown and blue' Mt. Alvernia.
SCHOOL SONG
Words taken from the famous school song, 'Oh Alvernia', however, last Saturday night singer Karen Smith recreated the words to the popular song 'Hero' fittingly paying a surprise tribute to the nuns.
"Did you ever know you were their heroes," she asked in song.
The indomitable duo of Paul Hurlock and Cabot Paul soothed the souls with classical, jazz and contemporary ballads.
Even the comical Jackie Jarrett, wife of Michael 'String Beans' Nicholson, a past student of the institution, who would not normally put out an effort to sing for her dinner, found time to do a rendition of the 'forbidden' school song penned by a group of unknown students.
Her performance was hilarious.
It was an evening of fond memories and tributes and when it was time to honour the outstanding retired mathematics teacher Lucille McLellan, Jackie Pitter broke down in tears and Marlene Stephenson Dalley spoke with pride about the baby products 'Miss Mac' had knitted her daughter 11 years ago.
OCCASION OF PRIDE AND JOY
It was an occasion of pride and joy, of seeing old faces and mingling with new. And an evening to celebrate the number of passes received in the recent CXC.
"We will never forget how you supported and feted us this evening," said Sister Mary Catherine. "I have exceptional memories of Mt. Alvernia, my best years were there, you are the work that we began."
She said, "I hope that you will pass on the very values and attitudes to your children, we leave here celebrating the fact we had the privilege of serving here for 80 years."
Those in attendance included former principal Sister Angella Harris, current headmistress, Miss Carmen Hall, vice-principals Nancy Jackson and Merlene Beckford, Janyce Samuels, president of the Past Students' Association, Beryl Thompson, guest speaker and past student, Marguerite Bowie, Karene N. Stanley, Jacqueline Nicholson, Janet Genus, The Gleaner's Sandra Lawson, Jackie Mighty, Janet Lewin, winner of the gate prize of a weekend for two at the elegant Round Hill Hotel, Gabrielle Lee, Marcia Maxwell, Elaine Mullings, Carla Edwards, Carleen Williams, Chantal Anderson, Dr. Desi-Ree Chambers, Sandra Chin, Trevor Carby, Paula Hurlock and Nyree Moreland.
