6 Lennox Aldred/Gleaner Writer MUNRO COLLEGE old boy Robert Hale and his wife, Monica, are spearheading a major venture that has been formulated to beautify the 166-year-old institution. Hale, a former Jamaica and Munro College tennis player, is also undertaking a major overhaul of the school’s tennis programme. However, the urgent need to spruce up the school grounds and landscape has taken priority for the Cayman-based couple. “We, as Munro old boys, realised that the school was not in good shape at the moment and it is sad for us to see. We wanted to do our part in trying to change the course of history and bring the school back up to a certain level that we can all be proud of,”Hale said. Hale and his wife have been flying to Jamaica every month to oversee the project, which will see over 100 coconut trees, 150 Bromeliad plants, five palms trees and over 50 other plants being put in all around the school, from the entrance to the tennis courts, as well as the game areas and dorms. Already, tremendous work has been done, with up to five trucks employed to clear away old furniture, trash and debris that were lying around the St Elizabeth-based institution. After gathering feedback from the students themselves and the school’s administration, the Hales even flew in a specially skilled stone cutter from Cayman to assist with some of the stonework that will be displayed around the new-look tennis court, which will feature a newly installed sitting area. “The aim is to beautify the school, which will allow the kids to come out of their dorms. One of the feedbacks we got from the students was that they didn’t have anywhere to sit, hence we created a lot of sitting areas, with a lot of vegetation around to make the experience more pleasant,” said Monica. The kind gesture has also been supported by the Munro College old boys in Cayman, USA and England, as well as a number of past students who are currently in Jamaica. The initiative has been wildly received by the board of governors at Munro College, and their chairman, Murphy Greg, is pleased that the effort was organised by the Hales. “The boys are the centre of everything we do and, for me, this initiative will go a far. The end game is breeding better boys leaving Munro College; and with improved facilities, that can only help them to achieve their goals even better.” The Hales have also secured three scholarships this calendar year for some students, with the aim to increase that number to six next year. The next phase of the project will also see urgent work being done on the dormitories, and the historic cathedral also on the agenda for future projects. Cayman couple helping to spruce up Munro College Robert Hale (left) and his wife Monica on the refurbished lawn tennis court at Munro College. IAN ALLEN Jordache Deuce (left) lawn tennis coach, Munro College, Murphy Greg (centre) chairman, Board of Governors, Munro College, and Robert Hale (right) Munro College old boy, pose for pictures on the refurbished tennis court at the school. IAN ALLEN Munro College in Malvern, St. Elizabeth. IAN ALLEN Hubert Lawrence/ Gleaner Writer IMMACULATE CONCEPTION High School got its 2023 track season off to a fine start at Jamaica College in January, thanks to the hard work by its student-athletes and expert guidance by the team’s coaching staff. IN ADDITION, the Immaculate team had a moment of inspiration during the Christmas break from Camille CoatesClark, a girls’ Championships gold medal winner from the 1980s. Winner of the Class Three 100 metres in 1981, Coates-Clark shared with the team her vast experience, on the track and off it. “I felt a lot of pride and just seeing the school and seeing the students and seeing their dedication,” said Coates-Clark who won silver medals for Jamaica at the 1981 Carifta Games and the 1986 CAC Games. “I just told them they can do it too and it was important for me to let them identify with someone who started just right where they were, from, you know, a small beginning,” she said. She went into 1987 with the 1986 national 100-metre title in her pocket, and with the World Championships looming as the big international target. Unfortunately, she injured her hamstring outdoors. The former Abilene Christian University sprinter is now a top orthopaedic surgeon in the United States and was delighted that some of the girls want to be doctors. “Not only did we talk about their athletics, but what they wanted to do in life, what they wanted to become, and there were about three of the student-athletes who wanted to become doctors, one or two who wanted to be orthopaedic surgeons. So, of course, you know, that piquedmy interest, and I just gave themgood pointers to what they need to do,” she said. With memories of her days at Immaculate flooding her mind, the SpanishTown native toured the school, including the gym. “I got excited. I did some push-ups with some of the girls, and I did some squats and some lunges. Yes, I got excited. I couldn’t help myself,” she said with a giggle. She recommended that the whole team adopt a positive attitude. “Not giving up, you know, and not letting anything stand in the way of their success and holding on to something positive each day. For me, that’s prayer, and whatever it is that gets them going, to just not give up, and to share and to encourage each other because, you know, they’re all going to the same place,” she said. During her visit, she was able to visit legendary Immaculate educator Sister Maureen Clare Hall. “It was a really meaningful, touching, emotional time,” Coates-Clark explained, “and she toldme that she talks about me all the time.” Immaculate head coach Franz Forde said the visit was a source of motivation. “We encourage our alumnae (girls) coming out and just going ahead you know and continue to motivate our girls we have there. So, it was really good to see Dr Coates,” said Forde. Champs star inspires Immaculate ambitions Immaculate coach Franz Ford. RICARDO MAKYN Dr Coates-Clark CONTRIBUTED THE MONTHLY GLEANER | FEBRUARY 5 - MARCH 2, 2023 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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