FT. LAUDERDALE – The South East USA chapter of Mannings High School Past Students Association was launched last Saturday, February 18 as some 50 alumni members converged in Fort Lauderdale to discuss ways in which the past students can assist the school’s development program.
A seven-member ad hoc committee was appointed until the elections of a formal executive committee is established, at a later date this year.
Discussions were chaired by past student, Mr. Anton Tomlinson of the New York chapter. Members of the new chapter immediately began addressing issues now currently affecting the school such as repairs and improvement of physical plans, academics, student discipline, and a concerted effort to revitalize the sports program.
According to Board member and Trustee, Mr. Victor Lowe, the school has demonstrated improvement in the field of sports with students as gold medallists in the 400 meters in the last Olympics of 2004, and the World Games (2005). The senior and junior Netball teams have also reached semi finals during the last season. “We have seen constant improvement through support provided to the school,” he added.
Other chapters already formed in New York, Toronto, Kingston and Savanna-la-mar have continued to support the school’s development through regular contributions such as equipment, appliances and monetary donations.
While he expressed appreciation to the members for their dedication and support, Mr. Lowe also appealed to members of the new chapter to use the opportunity to serve their alma mater through service, skills and talent.
Also addressing the audience at the event was Jamaica’s Consul General, Ricardo Allicock who welcomed the establishment of that chapter to the team of alumni groups in the Southeast USA. Movements such as the alumni chapters were vital to the Jamaican Diaspora at home as well as in the overseas communities in which Jamaicans reside, he continued.
Mr. Allicock expressed gratitude to the several alumni associations, which were representative of educational institutions in Jamaica, and spoke of their passion, and commitment to maintaining the high standards of education in Jamaica.
Members of the newly formed chapter were also addressed by Principal of the school, located in Westmoreland, Mrs. Gloria Wagstaff, and Chairman of the Manning’s Board of Directors, past student and attorney-at-law, Mr. Michael Palmer, who both gave a outline of the school’s development program showcasing areas of need.
Mannings High School is home to nearly 2,000 students from surrounding communities in Savannalamar. Founded in 1738, the school is the second oldest secondary school in Jamaica, after Wolmer’s High School located in Kingston.
