Memories and Reflections of the Last 25 Years
Is there anything that we have accomplished that we should be proud of? This is a powerful question and one that we do not really need to think too hard about. As an organization, our existence has depended on accomplishments, which resulted in support for our alma mater, financially and otherwise. However, how did we get to this place at this time? To answer this question each of us needs to take a step back down memory lane, back to MBHS and the time we spent there.
Our average time at this prestigious institution is about five years. Such a short period of time, which began when we entered as insecure, scared students and five years later emerged as confident individuals who were empowered to become change makers. As we each went out into the world, surviving the good and bad, becoming the person we are today, we realize that so much of what we learned at this great institution has resulted in who we are. This school taught us about strength, family values and work ethics.
So we return to MBHS, not as students but as an alumnus, dedicated to ensuring that the school’s ideals and legacy continue for other generations of students who come after us.
Over the years, my association with the MBHS Alumni NY Chapter has created a family of dedicated friends whose average tenure has been over twenty years. In the last twenty- five years, the founding members have been actively involved with this organization, while others have maintained contact remotely because they had to relocate to other states. We will be honoring the dedication of three past presidents tonight.
To celebrate MBHS alums, we have created an Excellence Award this year to honor the accomplishments of those alumni who have excelled to the highest level in their chosen field. We will make presentations tonight to some change makers in the fields of Economics, Law, Science and Sports.
I would like to reflect on some of our accomplishments as an organization. During the first ten years, we assisted by purchasing lab equipment, repairing and repainting parts of the school and supported the athletics department by purchasing equipment. We purchased a lathe for the wood workshop, a lawn mower, 60 gallons of paint and refurbishing equipment for the Science Labs costing $28,259.00.
The next decade allowed us to continue to support the athletics department by renovating the school’s track to the tune of $15,000 in 2008 and paying the coach’s salary for 2 years (2003-2005). This has resulted in the return of the Howard B Jackson Relay to the School in 2010.
One of our major supporting endeavors came with the establishment of scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships allowed them to pay fees, purchase books and focus on academics rather than on finances.
This was 14 years ago and since its inception we have issued 26 scholarships totaling $36,500.00. In terms of human capital these scholarships have produced sixteen 5th Form graduates, three students currently in the 6th Form and two students who were awarded the prestigious NCB National Scholarship award to the University of the West Indies (2009 and 2011). Eight scholarship awardees went on to college, four of who graduated and two are now pursuing postgraduate degrees.
In 2007, in collaboration with our alma mater, we completed a state of the art computer lab. We purchased over 30 computers and a 4600 Hewlett Packer Laser Jet color printer as well as paying the cost for installation, approximately $20,060.00. Prior to the creation of this lab, only a selected number of students were able to sit the CSEC Information Technology examination. With the addition of the new Lab, the school was able to offer Information Technology to all CSEC students, as well as introducing CAPE Computer Science. The students’ performance in Information Technology over the last two years is an 80% success rate in both CXC and GCE Examinations.
Therefore, there is plenty to be proud of. Tonight we are thanking you once again for your sacrifice and commitment to this wonderful school, to which we all owe a debt of gratitude. Without your support, we would have been unable to accomplish anything. It is my hope that you will continue on this journey with our alma mater for another 25 years.
I would like to end with a quote from President Barack Obama, who said
“Our destiny is not written for us but by us.” This quote describes the relationship between this alumni association and our alma mater, so let’s continue to forge ahead for a brighter future for the next generation.
