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Linstead Primary and Junior High recently honoured six retired teachers for decades of sterling service to the institution.

The stalwarts - Beryl Demetrius (39 years), Loretta Henry (41 years), Esme Hemans (38 years), Raphleta Rankine (42 years), Lena Taylor (41 years) and Beverley Williams (34 years) - were lauded during a ceremony themed 'Honouring Trailblazers, Celebrating Excellence' at the St Helen's Church hall in Linstead last Saturday.

The educators were credited with leaving an indelible mark on an estimated 7,000 students over the years. One of those beneficiaries is Dr Donna Hope-Marquis, lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Mona, who delivered the keynote address.

While thanking the awardees for their support and tutelage, she singled out Demetrius, who shepherded her through preparations for the now-defunct Common Entrance Examinations.

"Teaching is a gift, and students like myself from Linstead school, who have benefited from the inspired guidance from teachers like those being honoured, are living testimony of this."

She continued, "This will remain a legacy of the success of great teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty."

Robert Pickersgill, member of parliament for the North West St Catherine constituency in which the school is located, described the retirees as awesome.

Pickersgill, himself a trained teacher, told the audience that winners made goals and that losers made excuses.

"Goals give you the specific directions to take, to make your dreams come true," he said.

- K.S.