Say the name 'Jago' to any well-thinking Jamaican and almost immediately he or she conjures up images of an athlete in green and gold gear blazing down a track with the rivals several metres behind.

Undoubtibly the St Jago High School in St Catherine, is undoubtedly best known for its consistent and exemplary performance in track and field - a tradition which the principal Keith Noel believes will not end anytime soon.

These students demonstrate knowledge and expertise as they participate in one of their lab classes. (Photos: Garfield Robinson)

"It is an awesome school, I feel so humbled when I think of the tradition of St Jago," said Noel, principal of the school since 1992.
Over the years, the school has produced Olympian greats like Bert Cameron and Juliet Campbell.

And has moulded the careers of Pan-American Games and Central American and Caribbean Championship bronze medallist Peta-Gaye Dowdie, and Natasha Ruddock, silver medallist in both the World Youth Championships and Pan-American Junior Championships . Both women are steadily making their mark on the international athletic scene.

The school also continues to dominate the athletic competitions, namely the Penn Relays, winning the 4X1 race last year, and the Boys' and Girls' Championships.
"Since I have been here, no other co-ed school has beaten us at boys' champs," gloated Noel.

Principal Keith Noel showing off his school's dazzling array of trophies.

The schoolexcels not only in althetics but also the arts, since playwright Trevor Rhone, famous for his facetious plays, the multi-talented Barry Moncrieffe and Christopher Martin, winner of last year's Rising Stars competition, have passed through its halls.
Noel described the Spanish Town-based school as "the epitome of the term well rounded".

"We encourage all areas because students here are multi-talented," beamed vice principal Sandra Swyer-Watson, "we have students who go right across the board".

Many of these past students have made and continue to make a significant contribution to the growth of Jamaican society. Other acclaimed figures in society include; the chief medical officer of health, Marilyn Bullock Ducasse; chief justice Lensley Wolfe; former prime minister Norman Manley and Barry Wint.

This young man shows off his musical prowess as he prepares to play the steel pan.

Despite the negative publicity that Spanish Town has received, the institution is living proof that hard work conquers everything as signified in their motto: Labour omnia vincit.
"I think St Catherine has a little something special here," said an optimistic Noel.

One major event that affected the school was the slaying of Donovan `Bulbie' Bennett in February.

"Some of the kids were caught in the [bus] terminus running up and down," said Noel. "The next day very few children attended," he added. To this end, the school has implemented a panic drill to ensure that the students are well prepared to handle such a situation. The community and the surrounding schools continue, however, to assist each other such as sharing guidance counselling facilities. Noel cited religion as a major factor in developing holistic students.

"We try to foster the spiritual growth of the students here," said chaplain Khalilah Kinkead.
Meanwhile, Noel credited his staff describing them as, "the best coaches who always continue to give their very best."
The dynamic student body also has many avenues to channel their respective energies.

"We have more than 20 clubs and societies, and we have three different choirs," said Swyer-Watson.

Five years ago, the school was invited to the Choir Olympics. The school has also copped the prestigious Bob Marley Award for creative expression and the Marcus Garvey Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts.

The endearing pride and commitment to the school is evident simply by being on the school premises.
"We have a very young staff, many of them are past students," said Swyer-Watson.

Diversity is also incorporated into the academics of the student body. Subjects such as Physical Education, Theatre Arts and Music are taught at the CXC level. Of the challenges facing the school, the problem of resource scarcity seems to be the most grave. Swyer-Watson said that sometimes classes, some with over 50 students, must be held outside.

Nonetheless, despite the challenges, St Jago continues to bloom amidst adversity and will continue to be destined for only greater things. The rich tradition of the school and the steady progress it continues to make could not be summed up any better by vice-principal Ardene Jones, "Marvellous."

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