Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer

Back together again! Members of the Kingston College Class of 1976 and a few of the teachers who positively impacted their lives.

Thirty years after they graduated from Kingston College (KC), the class of 1976 gathered to 'break bread' and reminisce on their long past high school days and to pay homage to a few main players in their high school lives.

The purple force of 'Fortis' descended upon the Mona Visitors Lodge last Friday and the colourful high school monikers echoed through the venue, followed by gleeful bearhugs and trips down memory lane as old friends are wont to do.

"Old age is fast descending upon the land of the 'young' old boys'", declared Professor Stephen Vasciannie in his usual mischievous manner as he opened the formalities in his duty as Master of Ceremonies.

Rabidly KC

"Since then, neither Carlton 'Connie' Francis nor Delano (Franklyn) has changed their political colours," he commented, drawing laughs.

Guest speaker and one of the night's honourees, former headmaster, Ivan 'Wally' Johnson, gave insight into a question that has long puzzled many: "What is it about KC old boys that makes them so rabidly KC?" He traced this patriotism back to the glory days of the 1950s, which he described as a "period of extraordinary greatness". In the usual cocksure KC manner, he noted that, "a lot of persons find us (KC old boys) a little overbearing and even when we do step on some toes, generally, theirs is a grudging admiration of the KC spirit."

Still, he noted, "I wouldn't change it for a thing!" And his audience gleefully agreed.

Fitzroy 'Viva' Cole displayed that unavoidable KC spirit as he performed a selection of his poetic works, with his school tie wrapped around his forehead. He also relayed anecdotes of the 'Fame Seekers Cup' which he proclaimed to have held many times. He told one colourful story of a student who stole another's bicycle for a whole weekend just for the 'privilege' of receiving the plastic cup from his peers for well-executed mischief.

Stalwarts recognised

The celebrations culminated with presentations to four persons whom the class touted to have made significant contributions to their high school days and to the school in general. First up was former headmaster Johnson, who the presenter Donovan Dowie, described as "the quintessential KC man." Mr. Johnson fittingly received a standing ovation as he accepted his honour. Also receiving gifts and accolades was former teacher, Violet Thompson, who Vasciannie described as "one of those foundation stones of the class of '76". Sonia Serrant, a former teacher and Rev. Dr. John McNab, a former headmaster, were also recognised, but were not present to receive their gifts.

Among the guests and old boys were the present headmaster, Rupert Hemmings, who encouraged the graduates to provide much-needed financial support for their alma mater; Horace Hamilton;John Murdock; Michael Laidlaw; Michael 'Mikey T' Thompson, a Disc Jockey at Kool 97 FM, who provided the musical selections for the dinner; Carlton 'Connie' Francis; Michael McGee; Paul 'Genie' Vernon; Eric Douglas; Peter Leon; David Batts; Ian Scarlet; Hugh Reid; Richard Dyche and his wife, Caroline; Robert O'Sullivan; Norman Karr; Neville 'Sour' Graham; and Gordon Brown.

Left: Professor Stephen Vasciannie (left) presents former Kingston College history teacher, Mrs. Violet Thompson, with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the class of 1976.   Right: Fitzroy 'Viva' Cole ditched his high school nickname for a new moniker 'Viva', under which he performed a selection of his poetic works at the Kingston College Class of 1976 gala dinner. - Photos by Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer