Foundation Prep School aims to be ‘a consistent force for good’
Published:Thursday | April 24, 2025 | 12:07 AMOlivia Brown/Gleaner Writer
“A perfect gift for the children,” was how Dr Bradley Edwards, senior medical officer at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon described a $200,000 donation made by Foundation Preparatory School, which will go towards the purchase of intrusion pumps for the hospital’s paediatric ward.
The funds were raised through Foundation Preparatory’s inaugural 5K run/walk event, “Sprint for Smiles,” which brought together students, parents, staff, and members of the wider Clarendon community for a day of fitness, fun, and philanthropy.
“We were very touched by the gesture. It was a very good gesture by the school,” Dr Edwards said. “To know the students themselves participated and came to give the donation, it is something that we are encouraging in our children – to give back to their community.”
He elaborated on the importance of the infusion pumps, which are used to administer intravenous (IV) fluids at a controlled rate. “When we set up IV in our children, it goes at a much slower rate than the rate given to adults because we don’t want to overload them,” Dr Bradley explained. “With the infusion pump, it gives a controlled delivery of these fluids and a controlled delivery of medication. So, if a child needs medication at a particular time, we don’t have to spend time fiddling and using stopwatches to get the right rate. We’ll just connect the medication to the infusion pump, set the rate, and it automatically delivers.”
Dr Edwards also highlighted the time-saving and safety benefits: “It will save our nurses a lot of time and stress, because if they get the rate wrong, it can be detrimental to the child. With these pumps, we’ll be able to manage our children much better.”
He lauded the school, saying, “We are really delighted for the partnership, and we’re happy the school took the time to do that.”
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
The school’s principal Latoya Bennett, who has led the institution since 2015, said the initiative was born out of a desire to give back to the community – particularly to children in need. “We wanted to give back, especially to our children. After seeing similar events across the island, we thought, why not bring that same energy to May Pen and make a difference here?” she told The Gleaner.
Founded in 1994, Bennett stressed that the school had always emphasised holistic development, and that the 5K reflected its core values – compassion, service, and community spirit. “Supporting the paediatric ward and the special education unit fits perfectly with our values. We’re impacting children’s lives while bringing the community together for a good cause,” she told The Gleaner.
The school’s special education unit will also benefit from the proceeds.
Bennett explained that the hospital’s paediatric ward was chosen because of its vital role in caring for the parish’s youngest patients, while the special education unit continues to address the growing need to support students who learn differently.
“This event was more than just a race – it was about promoting health, raising awareness, and rallying support for the people and services that uplift our youth,” she said.
PLANS FOR ANNUAL TRADITION
The event, staged earlier this month began at the May Pen clock tower, and culminated at the school’s main campus on Lincoln Avenue.
Community involvement was robust, with parents, students, and staff actively promoting the event and turning out in high spirits. Bennett praised the enthusiasm from all corners, noting that both on-the-ground and social media engagement played a key role in the event’s success.
Several Clarendon-based businesses came on board as sponsors, including Tait’s Pharmacy, YuhSolutions, Newlife Studios, Samba Sports, Fine Prints, Atkins Printery, Rattagan’s Auto Parts, Select Grocers, New Denbigh Pharmacy, AJ Designs, Expression Images, and Demot’s Beverages. Insurance entity Guardian Life, and Prime Syrup were also sponsors.
While expressing gratitude to all participants, Bennett added, “Whether they came to run, walk, cheer, or volunteer – this event truly was for everyone. Even those from outside the parish felt the sense of community.”
Principal Bennett shared that plans are already in motion to make the 5K an annual tradition. “We’re excited to see how much bigger and better we can make it in the years to come,” she added. “Our long-term vision is to be a consistent force for good in the community – uplifting families and instilling in our students the value of service beyond the classroom.”