Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson on Friday opened a new $21-million block of classrooms at Iona High School in Tower Isle, St Mary, which produced the student with the second best CSEC results islandwide last year.

The new block consists of a science lab, art room, conference room, five classrooms and bathroom facilities, representing foresight on the part of the education ministry, Henry-Wilson said, because the school had asked for just three classrooms, a science lab and a bathroom.

In declaring the facility open, Henry Wilson urged the students to commit themselves to “shine and make Iona shine” and she singled out Kenia Fung Chung, a past student at the school who recorded the second best 2006 CSEC results in the island.

Henry-Wilson said she was pleased that the project had been completed on time and within budget, and said her ministry would be seeking further partnership with the United Church, which runs the school, as the church was committed to the development of education.

“The United Church schools are not only concerned about giving you a certificate, but a full education,” the minister said.

Grade 10 student Patrick Grandison drew commendation from the minister after reading the welcome in Spanish. Afterwards, the welcome was given in English by another student.

School principal Verlaine Henry thanked the minister for the new block and said the school was now poised for good times ahead.

The ceremony was attended by several members of the school board, including Rev Millard Edwards, chairman; Rev Dr Richmond Nelson, school chaplain; Rev Dr Henroy Samuels; and Custos of St Mary, Robert Pottinger.

Iona High School, started nearly 50 years ago by the late Rev Dr Herbert Swaby, a pastor at the United Church, has approximately 550 students on roll. The school also boasts a preparatory division.