George Henry, Gleaner Writer

The early childhood teachers who were honoured for their years of service to education. Front row (from left): Eurlia Ford, Thelma Douglas, Beryl Simpson, Sybil Brown and Louise Harriott. Middle row (from left): Greta Sinclair, Mary Kerr, Marcia Rowe, Rose Marie Nelson, Louisa Harris, Elaine Gayle, Gloria Williams and Florrette Pantry. Back row (from left, all partly hidden): Angella Smith, Marva Pinnock, Karlene Smith, Doretta Wright, Loraine Gayle and Viola Swaby. - Photo by George Henry

SPALDINGS, Clarendon:

Seventeen early childhood teachers from basic schools in Clarendon were honoured for more than 20 years of dedicated service at an awards function, held at the Mandeville Hotel in Manchester, on Thursday, February 28.

The teachers, who had praises heaped on them, were serenaded, fed and given gifts for the sterling contribution they have made and are still making.

Beryl Simpson, who served as an early childhood teacher at the Turtle Pond Basic School between 1975 and 2007, and who was honoured as a retiree at the function, said she will miss the classroom, but felt satisfied knowing that she did her best while serving the education system.

"I feel extremely happy to be recognised for my 32 years of service in early childhood education. I feel proud about myself that I was occupied doing something," the veteran teacher explained.

Another retiree, Sybil Brown, who taught in the system for more than 32 years, said she had no intention to be engaged in any other profession because of her passion for little children. Though retired, she acknowledged that she misses the classroom.

"I miss the little ones, but I need the rest. I am so tired. I need to get some rest. But sometimes I still go to school to assist the little children with their work," said Brown with a satisfying look.

Like Simpson, Brown, who taught at the Reckford Basic School, which she founded, pointed out that it was a super feeling knowing that after giving more than three decades to education, she could be honoured and awarded for the work she has done.

Delivering the main address at the function, O'Niel Ankle, Lasco's principal of the year for 2007, and principal at the Green Park Primary and Junior High School, told the audience that the teachers honoured have all made an indelible mark on the education landscape.