Association of Principals and Vice-Principals shows appreciation to retired educators

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

ROSE HALL, St James: Eight retired principals and vice-principals were honoured by the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals last Thursday for their contribution to Jamaica's education system.

Rhudal McFarlane, Charles Reid, Alton Ruddock, Earlie Peart, Claudette Keith, Selvyn Green, Pauline Ivey and Irvin Atkinson contributed an accumulative 314 years to the education system.

The honourees had high praises heaped on them at the association's annual retirees awards ceremony, held at the Holiday Inn Resort and Spa at Rose Hall in St. James.

fine examples

Senior Adviser to Education Minister Andrew Holness, Alphansus Davis, told the honourees, that they all have been fine examples of transformational leadership, while giving unselfish service to the nation.

"On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I must commend you all for the years of service given to education. You know how to bare the pain without showing it. You all made the engine run in education over the years," said Davis.

Albert Corcho, president of the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals, said it is not easy to serve as principals and vice-principals due to the behaviour of some students.

He congratulated the honourees for their contribution to education, and reminded them that the greatest reward they will receive for their service, will come from God.

Speaking on behalf of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Immediate Past President Michael Stewart, said the JTA was indebted to the honourees for the discipline they all inculcated in the life of Jamaica's young people.

pleasure serving

In his reply, on behalf of the honourees, former principal at the Old Harbour High School in St. Catherine, Selvyn Green, said they all entered education because of the love they have for Jamaica's young people. He stressed that it was a pleasure serving his country, and that education will continue to be at the forefront of all the honourees' minds.