George Henry, Gleaner Writer

Retired school principals (from left) Marjorie Blythe, Rudolph Brown, Louise Clarke, Karl Frater, Patrick Josephs and Felix Peart hold their plaques as they are honoured by the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals at its annual retreat, held at the Starfish Hotel, Trelawny, last weekend. - Photo by George Henry

The Association of Principals and Vice-Principals honoured nine of its retired members at an awards function, held at the Starfish Hotel at Coopers Pen, Trelawny, last weekend.

The awardees, each of whom spent more than 30 years in the teaching profession, were showered with praises, had citations read to them, and were presented with plaques in front of a packed audience, which included past and present colleague principals, vice- principals, family members and well-wishers.

Marjorie Blythe (38 years); Rudolph Brown (41 years); Louise Clarke (37 years); Karl Frater (33 years); Patrick Josephs (30 years); and Felix Peart (36 years), were all praised for their outstanding contribution to various levels of the education system.

Special award

However, Mrs. Clarke, who is a former principal at the Winston Jones High School in Manchester, received a special award for her outstanding contribution to the association.

Though unable to attend the function, Rita Ebanks, Ina Wynter and Headley Moore - all former vice-principals - were also acknowledged for their over three decades each of service to education. Their awards were reserved for later presentations.

The awardees were hailed as stalwarts by those who read citations and, from what was read about them, and from the responses of those who were in attendance, all nine educators were special at the various high schools where they served.

In his address, while filling in for Minister of Education Andrew Holness, community relations education officer for Region 3, Maurice Smith, thanked the awardees for their many years of service, but called on them to return to their various institutions and seek to develop the human capital there.

Experience an asset

"I call upon you to go back to the institution and develop the human capital. Mentor some teachers; because some of us, as young teachers, believe that we know everything. We might be exuberant as young people, but we need the experience of the older ones," noted Mr. Smith.

He said the retirees should engage their skills and knowledge, while giving back to the community and individuals, so that effective schools can be built.

He asked that they should make themselves available to the younger generation while they enjoy their retirement. This, he said, in an effort that schools can be built effectively.

In her response on behalf of all the honourees, Louise Clarke said they have not retired, but they have only changed course. Underscoring what Mr. Smith told them, Mrs. Clarke called on her colleagues who remain as administrators not to be selfish, but to assist in mentoring those with whom they work, by providing effective leadership.