Competition and excellence are the hallmark of a successful school. In a hard-to-please society and nation, non-traditional schools have traditionally been bombarded by texts and innuendos. Prejudices are rife and many of our parents take pre-emptive measures in bolstering academic knowledge to ensure their students gain a pass for the traditional high schools. In a country where status is a norm, non-traditional high schools are for the most part avoided.

Non-traditional high schools, however, in the last 10 years, are to be congratulated for making assertive steps to correct the biases and prejudices as they churn out examination successes on par with traditional high schools. We have been hearing about schools such as McGrath High and Old Harbour High, but I, the product of an urban traditional high school, take this medium to congratulate Denbigh High School — a rising star in the field of education; total education.

Blessed with an innovative and inspiring past and present leadership, the school is making strides in ensuring excellence is the hallmark. The current leadership is continuing the mission of imparting knowledge so every child can achieve his or her full potential. I observed that the school is serious about enlightening students, not only in straight academics, but endearing them to the social graces and finer things in life. Such was the leadership that students last week were engaged in producing and participating in a tea party. The students have also sent an excellent Schools’ Challenge Quiz team, who played my alma mater Wolmer’s Boys’ School in a match in Round Two of the TVJ-hosted competition.

A plus for this school is its maintenance of a pristine physical environment with a well-kept campus of clean buildings and fabulous green spaces. But not only is the physical environment worth mentioning, I have to commend the school for behaviour management. The school, during class time, maintained such silence that is remarkably commendable. One visit to many urban schools, on any day, will reveal students exhibiting high-decibel noise as some loiter on the school ground or corridor. Denbigh High must therefore be applauded. It delighted me that at least there are institutions still carrying out the true mission of educating our youngsters.

I learned that the school will be implementing an inter-house quiz competition, which will provide the type of competitive and motivating spirit essential for this generation who will face a globally competitive world on exiting college. Such an exercise will also give those students not a part of the Schools’ Challenge team the opportunity to feel valued and empowered as they represent their houses in fierce rivalry against others. The early start at competition can only augur well for students’ development and I congratulate and salute Principal Kasan Troupe, her two vice-principals, grade coordinators, and teachers for this bold step.

Leadership is visionary. Denbigh High is showing the nation that with serious and assertive leadership, bold moves and united efforts any school in Jamaica can shine. We have the workforce to transform our education system and educate our children towards excellent CSEC outcomes. If schools would just seriously take up the mantle for “holistic” education (academic, social and physical), our education system and it outputs can be on par with any in the post-colonial world. Denbigh ‘s leadership is ensuring just that. What about other schools? The nation awaits your performance.

Winstondonald17@yahoo.com