Newsletter issue 1

 Special Interest:

A Salute to an Educator Extraordinaire

Date Set for Medical and Education Mission Trip to Haiti 

Newsletter Highlights: 

Dr. Cecile Walden

Congratulations

Upcoming Events

Message From The Chairperson, Central Executive Branch

We are excited about the first issue of the SSTCPSA’s newsletter – the goal of which is to keep us connected through the sharing of information.

I was invited to the recent retirement and appreciation function for Dr. Cecile Walden. Chaired by Mrs. Marilyn Stevenson-Dalley, it was a great evening of tributes for a most deserving “Educator Extraordinare!”

In attendance were Ferdinand Bright, President of the New York Chapter; Carlton Grant, Ambassador for the Association; Latoya Reid, Deputy Chair; and Leo Gilling, former Chair of CEB. Dignitaries in attendance included the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, representative for the Prime Minister; Custo Corrodus, representing the Governor General; Dr. Simon Clarke, former Principal of SSTC; Dr. Moses Peart from JBTE; Michael Stewart, President of JTA, along with members of the Board of Trustees, including Mrs. Jeanne Robinson-Foster, Chair.

Also in attendance were several principals from the Western Region of Jamaica, who are past students; current students, families, friends and well wishers. Great applaud and thanks to Dr. Asburn Pinnock and staff for honoring such an outstanding educator and pillar in Jamaican society – Dr. Cecile Walden, the “cultural icon.”

 As an alumni, I know my sentiments are echoed by fellow “Sharphites” when I say how proud we are of the legacy Dr. Walden has left. The speeches, citations and presentations spoke to the true Cecile Walden.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Walden spoke with passion about the completion of the additional classrooms started under her tenure and her vision to see a library built on campus that would enhance the lives of the students as well as the surrounding community. As such, the current alumni have committed to seeing this vision come to fruition. In collaboration with Principal Dr. Asburn Pinnock, the next step is to solicit financial assistance to complete this project.

Carlton Grant, Latoya Reid and I were presented with the opportunity to conduct a “rap” session with a group of 1st and 2nd year students. We felt privileged for the opportunity to share our years as students at Sam Sharpe, our passion for the college and the students, and how proud we are to be called “Sharphites!” The students were encouraged to continue on the course of excellence which they have started and to always maintain a sense of pride – pride through action – action by giving back to their alma mater and community. 

I was also able to inform the students of our upcoming Haiti mission which was received with much excitement. The students have taken up this challenge to begin fundraising efforts to enhance their participation in this mission.

In all, this was a wonderful event and I was indeed honored to have been invited!

Carol Grant-Gordon, Chair

Central Executive Branch

, 

“Education represents one of the critical pillars to nation building and is the vehicle that will drive the developmental process; and therefore enjoys pride of place on the Government’s national agenda.  Many of our country’s teachers and educators have dedicated their lives to one of “service above self” to our children and nation, in pursuit of their mandate of securing a solid education for our people – and for this, they deserve high commendations.

Dr. Cecile A. Walden is one such Jamaican educator.  A journey of over forty years in the nation’s education sector, while characterized by many changes and challenges – challenges which failed to daunt or deter a woman dedicated to her profession or to dampen a burning spirit of service, is also filled with many successes.

  Her contribution spans the entire gamut of the education sector, from the early childhood level, which is the foundation upon which the future of our children is built, to the highest level of tertiary education.  This is indicative of a life of extensive experience and expertise, which has been shared with many and has enhanced the growth and development of our county and people.

    I am particularly pleased to be given this opportunity of sharing my own personal admiration for this “educator extraordinaire” and “woman of excellence.”  I am confident that although her formal tenure in education has come to a close, her ‘door’ still remains open to continue making her contribution in whatever way she chooses.

   I wish for God’s continued guidance, blessings and favour on her life – a life that has truly been exemplary and one that stands as a sterling example for others to emulate.”

Bruce Golding

Honourable Prime Minister

In addition to the coverage provided by the Jamaica Gleaner, the event was also covered by JIS, The Mirror, and The Western News.

Congratulations to the following on attaining their “doctorate” designations:

Mrs. Michelle Pinnock is now Dr. Michelle Pinnock

Mrs. Constance Bogle is now Dr. Constance Bogle

Congratulations goes out to the Campus Soccer Team who are placed 2nd in the League!  This is a first in the history of the college.

Congratulations to all! 

~ H.B. Miller ~

Submitted by Maxwell Beckford

President, Florida Chapter

“Face yourself – for authentic to the world your actions may seem, but you know in its eyes you have placed a beam so be yourself, face yourself for although lucrative your frame will appear, the delusions you create are to your own fate. And soon your true self will confront you with scornful stare so be yourself, face yourself for behind that outward appearance hides your true identify. The world you may have fooled but it is time you face up to reality so face yourself and be yourself.”

“Amid the noisy chatter of his students, a distinguished scientist prepared his notes in a lecture theatre at the university.  The noise continued unabated until he turned to the blackboard and drew a circle within a square.  He added more lines and figures.  The students became progressively quieter and some began to copy the drawing.

When there was complete silence, the lecturer turned to the class and said, “It is amazing how students understand Chinese.  “That” he said, pointing to the board, “means silence!”

Submitted by Maxwell Beckford

President, Florida Chapter

Your support is requested for the following and other local chapter fundraising events:

May 10 – the Florida Chapter will be hosting a Bus Trip to Key West.

June 5 – The Central Executive Branch will be hosting a “Black Tie Affair” in aid of the medical and education mission and fundraising for Association.  Tickets are $100 per person.  For further information and ticket purchases, please call the Central Executive Branch Chair, Carol Grant-Gordon at 301-520-9776 or Pauline Brown at 240-475-4958.

The Medical and Education Mission trip to Haiti is planned for October, 2010!  Additional details will be forthcoming.

The Jamaica Chapter will be having a “souvenirs sale” in support of those 3^rd year students as memento to commemorate their upcoming graduation