Cornwall College enrolls girls
Published:Tuesday | September 10, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
For the first time in more than 30 years, the 117-year-old, Cornwall College in Montego Bay has accepted females to its sixth-form classes.
Ten girls, two of whom boast 10 distinctions each, in the recent Caribbean Examination Council exams were welcomed at the all-boy institution on Monday morning at a historic ceremony in their honour.
The girls, former students of schools such as Knox College, Porus High, Mt Alevrnia and Montego Bay High, join some 61 boys in what has been described as the largest 12th grade in the school's history.
A number of boys from Munroe College, Irwin High, William Knibb and Kingston College are also among the new sixth formers.
Addressing the scholars, vice-principal, Lorna Rampassard disclosed that more than 200 students applied to the upper school, and after a series of rigorous interviews, the applicants were selected. "The ladies we selected showed brilliance and a sense of purpose, and are extremely articulate," said Rampassard, explaining how much a pleasure it was to open an avenue for them to matriculate their pre-university courses.
Challenge for boys
The upper-school vice-principal warned the boys that they were in for a very serious challenge.
One of the persons they should expect to be challenged by is Shanice Thompson, who boast a straight A profile for all subjects, except Physics, for which she got a B for use of knowledge.
Thompson, who attended the all-girl Montego Bay High spoke on behalf of the other females, promising that not only will they uphold a high level of decorum at the institution, "but we will be beacons of excellence; we will stand out and shine our bright lights".
She promised the school administrators they wouldn't be remorseful of the action to introduce females to the school after so many years.