THE WEEKLY GLEANER | JUNE 12 - JULY 12, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 10 Aubrey Campbell/Gleaner Writer ELEVEN MEMBERS from the faculty and staff of the Middlesex Corner Primary School, Hanover, were recently cited for years of service and outstanding commitment to the teaching profession at an intimate ceremony at the Grand Palladium Resort & Spa, in Point, Hanover. Cheered on by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information (MoESYI/Region 4); the Jamaica Teachers’Association (JTA) and the wider community, the recipients were also, “honoured for their combined 104 years of dedicated service to the Middlesex Corner Primary school, thereby giving much hope to the wider community”. In addition to her five years of service, Claudette Watson (Grade KG - 1), was voted ‘most helpful teacher,’ as well as having the ‘most stimulating classroom’ space, a joint second place shared with grade 1, second year teacher, Narlene Douglas. The ‘bridge builder’ award went to Denise Hudson (Grade 3), the second longest serving member – 23 years, while ‘punctuality’ went to Marcia Cameron (Grade 4), the longest serving member with 27 years under her belt. The prize for attendance went to teacher/guidance counsellor, Keneisha Gilling, for whom it was noted, ‘attendance matters.’ Kadia Grant (Grade 6), with 19 years of service, and with a keen eye for detail, was credited for the best record management. The ‘best lesson plan’ award was shared by Brycelyn Malcom (Grade 5) and Narlene Douglas (Grade 1), while the ‘most lesson plans’ token was shared by Gilling and Cameron. Teachers Steffi Solomon- five years and Therene Chambers, 20 years and Chef Donovan Black, from the Ancillary Department, were spotlighted for their years of service, as well. It was then a foregone conclusion that having won the awards for ‘best use of technology and ‘best classroom management’ – the biggies – Narlene Douglas was the Teacher of the Year (ToY), as the ceremonies concluded, the first in the history of the school. Seemingly leaving the best for last, it was an emotional moment for second year principal, Vinnette Webb, who was beside herself when Board Chair, Shauna Parkinson, stepped forward to present her with the inaugural ‘Chairman’s Award’ for her dedication to duty since assuming the principalship in the Summer of 2022. Other notables on the programme included a musical interlude by Christina Kerr and Kurt Barrett and a five-course dinner in the elegant Lady Hamilton Dining Room. ROCHESTER, NY: ROCHESTER, NEW York, is once again bursting into vibrant celebration throughout June, as the city plays host to a dynamic series of events in honour of Caribbean American Heritage Month. For years, the Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc, and civic leaders have collaborated to spotlight the rich arts and cultural traditions, music, cuisine, and leadership excellence of the Caribbean. This month-long celebration offers everything from live music to interactive workshops, creating opportunities for community connection and cultural exchange. The festivities kicked off on Monday, June 2, with community influencers and city officials gathering at City Hall Atrium for a press conference that outlined the vision and significance of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. City and County leaders, including Rochester’s Mayor Malik Evans, emphasise that, “What makes Rochester unique is the shared diversity of people that we have in our community, we see it in our food, we see it in different professions, the different countries that people come from, the flavour that makes up our great community.” Rochester Jamaican Organisation’s President Dr Joel Frater stated that, “National Caribbean American Heritage Month is a profound reminder that every shared beat of music, burst of laughter, celebration of leadership excellence, and moment of reflection weaves a tapestry of history and promise – a tapestry that honours our past, celebrates the present, and envisions a bright future.” TRULY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Residents will have an opportunity to engage in intimate gatherings as well, such as the “We Liming/Caribbean Link Up” events hosted at local favourites like Livie’s Jamaican Restaurant and Side Bar – which not only provide a taste of authentic island cuisine but also serve as a communal meeting ground for sharing stories and traditions. As the month unfolds, participants can enjoy hands-on cultural experiences including a Caribbean Costume Making Workshop, an energising performance by the iGNiTe Reggae Band, and a captivating Caribbean movie night held at unique local venues. Additional activities like the Walk, Run, Ride, and Breakfast at the Port of Rochester and the closing celebration, hosted by Mayor Evans, ensure that the celebration resonates across diverse age groups and interests. With a calendar brimming with activities, Caribbean American Heritage Month promises a truly immersive experience that enriches the spirit of Rochester and honours the lasting influence of Caribbean heritage. The Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc is a 501(c)3 Corporation that was formed in 2006 “as an association that provides to Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica a network that enables access to resources that positively impacts social conditions of Jamaicans in Jamaica and in Rochester.’’ More information about the RJO can be found at: www. rochesterjamaican.org . First-time honours for Middlesex Corner Primary staff A TEACHING MOMENT. (Front row, sitting, from left); Claudette Watson, Marcia Cameron, Narlene Douglas, (ToY); Kadia Grant, Keneisha Gilling, Vinnette Webb, (principal); Back Row/standing (from left): Garnet Sommerville (Board member); Donovan Black (chef), Therene Chambers, Steffi Solomon, Denise Hudson, Shauna Parkinson (Board Chairman). CONTRIBUTED Rochester Jamaican Organization joins city of Rochester, Mayor in celebrations Dr Joel Frater, President, Rochester Jamaica Organization, Inc. STAMP OF APPROVAL. Elected officials and community leaders from the City of Rochester, Upstate New York, met at City Hall to proclaim June as Caribbean American Heritage Month, statewide. From left; Malik Evans, mayor, City of Rochester; Diana Breckenridge, VP, Rochester Jamaican Organization, Inc.; Alan Prescod, president, Rochester West Indian Festival Organization, Inc.; and Josie McClary, chief community engagement officer for Monroe County Executive, Adam Bello. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=