Oh what a night

I opened my eyes on the morning of Saturday, November 6, 2010 knowing that I was in for a treat that evening.  But first of all, I had to fight off flu-like symptoms warring in my body.  I called my friend, Gary, only to find out that he too was under the weather and waiting for his wife to return with the Thera-flu so he could do some fighting of his own.  So with a common bond, we promised to meet each other at the event.

Needless to say, I showed up at Eastwood Manor at 9:15p.m., bright-eyed and ready to begin my evening.  The room was elegantly set with the colors (green and white) of our alma-mater.  People came in by planes, trains and automobiles.  There was a sense of excitement to see close friends, acquaintances and the element of surprise of that one person who you might run into that you have not seen in years.   The ladies were beautifully attired and the gentlemen, not to be outdone, were very dapper.  Cameras and picture phones were in full effect and personal Facebook status updates continued throughout the night.   The evening commenced with a word of prayer and the American and Jamaican National Anthems sung respectively.  Miss Jamaica/USA and Father Reid were at our guest table.

The evening commenced with President, Charles Murray’s welcome address.  A word of prayer came from Father Reid.  The American and Jamaican National Anthems were sung respectively by Nicole Young and Everton Samuels.  Miss Jamaica/USA was also an honorable guest of the evening.

Principal, Valerie Marshall-Lodge stated her tenure will be ending in the beginning of the 2011.  She gave the school’s report along with the contribution of the New York Alumni Association Chapter’s contribution throughout her 14 year tenure of scholarships and grants given to students from 2nd through to 5th Forms and some through to 6th Form.  The contributions also extended to the rebuilding of the playing field; the computer and the science laboratories.  It is amazing to learn how our small contribution has lent itself to helping a needy child with great potential and preserving and improving the structure of the institution.

Our guest of honor, Dr. Emerson Henry’s message summed up the entire mission of the alumni association, stressing the great significance and potential of how Jamaicans abroad can contribute to the well being of the Jamaican Diaspora.   We are indeed immigrants in a foreign land with a strong bond to Morant Bay High School as an institution.

Vice President, Dr. Lincoln Ferguson, gave the Vote of Thanks for this spectacular evening.

With Mr. Searchwell on keyboard and saxophonist Mr. Damon Riley, we were regaled with beautiful instrumentals during dinner.  The dance floor was primed to go and without hesitation the DJ fulfilled his duty and he was not disappointed that whatever tempo he transitioned to there were dance feet stepping to the beat.

Some lucky lady won the 50-50 raffle that was going on throughout the evening, and just in case you don’t know – the winner gets half the pot and the house keep half.

It is always amazing just how quickly the hours fade away…. I danced my shoes off and the next minute it’s the last song.  As we always sign off to the legendary voice of Bob Marley’s One Love.  I was in a circle on the dance floor holding my friend Gary’s hand giving thanks and praise to the Lord and feeling a’ right.

Let’s make a date to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the MBHS Alumni Dinner Dance.  Just remember, the first Saturday in November of 2011, all roads lead to the MBHS dinner/dance in Bronx, New York.

Carpe Diem!!!

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By:  Maureen Thomas