10 FOUR PAST students of Haile Selassie High School — Regina Barker, Javiere Reid, Daeshanne Daley, and Shaquone Atkins — were recently awarded bursaries from the alumni to assist them in completing their studies at Excelsior Community College. In late January, the school welcomed several distinguished alumni who returned to their alma mater to support current students with scholarships and bursaries. In addition to these bursaries, the alumni made significant individual contributions. Marlon Lowe, an attorney-at-law and deputy chief operating officer at Jamaica Customs, and Dave Wright, chief audit executive at the Jamaica Agricultural Society, provided financial donations to support school initiatives. Rose Marie Headley Smith, a lecturer at the University of Technology, generously covered the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) exam fees for four students, ensuring that they could complete their high school education without financial constraints. Andrea Annigee Graham, former head of the Small Business Association of Jamaica and principal of Annigee Fashion School, awarded four full scholarships for students to study at Annigee Fashion School, covering fashion design, event planning, management and décor, floral arranging and gift packaging, and interior decorating. FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE Philmore McCarthy, principal of Excelsior Community College, provided a groundbreaking scholarship initiative by awarding the entire cohort of Grade 11 students scholarships to Excelsior Community College. “Haile Selassie High gave me my first opportunity to become my best self, and now I am paying it forward,” he said while reflecting on his personal journey. Bernard Lee, president of the Canada Chapter of the Haile Selassie High School Alumni Association and a principal with the Toronto District School Board, expressed his deep appreciation to principal Anniona Jones and the dedicated teachers for their steadfast commitment to the students. He emphasised the importance of maintaining high expectations and ensuring that students recognise their full potential. They were joined by Glen Owen, author of the upcoming book Go Papa Go! It Is Only 300 Miles on Foot; Gregory Forrester, owner of Walk-In Drive-Out Car Dealership; and Yvonne Dyce Lawrence and Winston Graham, members of the Class of 1979, both of whom donated supplies to the students, including books and pencils. The visit concluded with a tour of the school, allowing alumni to witness the progress and challenges of their beloved alma mater. The Haile Selassie High School Alumni Association remains committed to expanding educational opportunities. Their next major event will take place at Eastwood Manor Caterers in the Bronx, New York, serving as a fundraising initiative to generate even more scholarships and bursaries for students in need. Through their continued generosity, these alumni are ensuring that Haile Selassie High School remains a beacon of opportunity, empowering students to pursue academic and professional success. Haile Selassie High School alumni give back in a big way Philmore McCarthy, principal of Excelsior Community College, (centre) with bursary recipients, from left; Regina Barker, Javiere Reid, Daeshanne Daley and Shaquone Atkins. CONTRIBUTED Sophia Findlay/Gleaner Writer THE JAMAICA College Old Boys Association of Canada (JCOBACA) held its 39th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on March 1 at the Woodbine Banquet Convention Hall in Toronto, Canada. For nearly four decades, JCOBACA, a registered Canadian charity and alumni association of Jamaica College (Canada Chapter), has contributed to the school by providing essential resources including computers, printers, classroom furniture, overhead projectors, educational software, books, science lab equipment, and athletic gear. Jamaica College is an all-boys high school in Jamaica offering traditional classroom education across various subjects. The gala drew over 400 guests who enjoyed music selections by DJ Mark Anthony and participated in activities such as raffles, balloon bursts, silent auctions, and gate prizes. The event featured MC Richard Todd, live entertainment by Richie C, a multi-course buffet-style meal, specially labelled JC bottles of red and white wine, and a selection of Del Monte fruit juices. Messages from the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban; ConsulGeneral of Jamaica at Toronto, Kurt Davis; Toronto’s Chief of Police Myron Demkiw; Principal of Jamaica College Wayne Robinson; and President of JCOBACA Charles Francis were included in the evening’s programme booklet. Francis addressed the gathering, thanked them for their support, and noted that their contributions have made a difference and will continue to shape the lives of students at Jamaica College. He delivered updates on several successful projects undertaken by the organisation. Teddy Alexander, newly-appointed President of Jamaica College Old Boys’ Foundation, responsible for raising funds and managing donations and scholarships, reported on how the school is benefiting from numerous contributions. Jamaica College Old Boys Association of Canada marks 39th anniversary From left: Charles Francis, president of Jamaica College Old Boys’ Association; Mark Delfosse, Immediate Past President and Tedd Alexander, President of Jamaica College Old Boys’ Foundation. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Consul-General of Jamaica at Toronto (centre) is flanked by (from left) Elaine Morrison, director of Business Development of CH Haughton Wines; Sophia Findlay, journalist and lifestyle influencer of Sofi Style; Sharifa Manning, financial services executive and Toronto Police Superintendent, Ron Tavaneer. Knox Past Students’ Association (Toronto Chapter) presents its 32nd anniversary fundraising gala on Saturday, April 12, 6 p.m. at 60 McDowell Gate, Markham, Ontario. Proceeds in aid of the construction of a multipurpose student pavilion. Tickets: $120. www.knoxtorontochapter.ca Kingston College Old Boys Association (KCOB) Toronto centenary edition events schedule includes Founders Day church service at St. Mary & St. Martha Anglican Church in Toronto on April 13, Spring Dance boat party onboard the River Gambler in Toronto on May 31, Golf Tournament on August 1 at Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club, Fortis 5K Walk-a-thon at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton on September 13, and Fortis Annual Reunion and Awards Banquet on November 1 at Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Kcobatoronto.com Alpha Academy Alumnae Association Toronto Chapter presents its Spring Brunch on Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. at Metropolitan Centre (Princess Banquet Hall), 3840 Finch Avenue East, Toronto. Ticket: $80. Alphaalumnaetoronto.com Ardene Alumni Association Toronto Chapter presents its Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 11, 12p.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Avenue, Toronto. Tickets: $80, child $40. Call Heather, 416-8282675, Denzil, 647-828-3545 Rusea’s Old School Students’ Association Canada (Toronto Chapter) celebrates its 37th anniversary on Saturday, May 17, 6:30 p.m., at Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Avenue, Toronto. Ticket: $110 on or before April 15, $115 after. Call 289-795-3266/416-617-3943 St. Hugh’s Alumnae Association Canada Chapter presents its Spring Brunch on Sunday, June 1, at Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre, 220 Humberline Drive, Etobicoke. Alpha Academy Alumnae Association Toronto Chapter presents Grand Reunion Toronto 2025, July 30-August 5, for all classes. Registration fee: $130 CAD, $100 US. Final payment due by March 31. Contact Joelle-Ann Goodison at gjoelleann@gmail.com, Loraine Lee at Loraine.lee100@ gmail.com, alphaalumnaetoronto@gmail.com EVENTS LISTING THE WEEKLY GLEANER | MARCH 20 - APRIL 19, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
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