BY EVERARD OWEN

Observer writer

MEMBERS of the local and Florida chapters of the St Mary High School Past Student Association recently returned to their alma mater to give the institution a much-needed facelift while using the opportunity to host a reunion.

“I am overjoyed [because] giving back is a key element of the society. It’s good to see everyone and I think everyone should give back to their school,” said Jene Ramdon.

She has personally committed to seek assistance for the agricultural programme at the school.

“I went down to where the farm is and I am going to get involved personally with the agricultural project,” she said.

Fellow past student Alex Haber said it is a great feeling to be able to give back to the institution that helped to shape his future.

“Some good teachers are here and the school needs some help, and we must try and do something, even putting a small fund together, maybe US$10 a month”, he encouraged.

Rosemarie Boothe, who now lives in Florida and maintains the association’s website, said she is dedicated to getting the past students back together.

“We normally have it (reunion) in Florida, but we came back here to get those together who weren’t able to make it to Florida and to be able to do some things here which is really refreshing and pleasant,” she told the Jamaica Observer North East.

The school, she said, needs help and it is the duty of the past students to assist in whatever way they can.

“The school has expanded and has gotten bigger, and it’s nice coming back and seeing the vast improvement. I hope all past students will come back and see what they can do and help the school in whatever way they can,” Boothe said.

Michael Brady, who was busy helping to repaint the mural at the principal’s office, said this was long overdue.

“When everyone reflects on their lives over the years after leaving St Mary High School and now we are parents, we are providers…we need to come back and pay respect for where the foundation was laid and our lives established,” he said.

Principal Jullett Frazer-Saddar was elated at the efforts of the past students.

“They are repairing, repainting, cleaning and giving the school a well-needed facelift and we are absolutely grateful,” she explained.

The school, she said, has expanded a lot under the leadership of former Principal Colonel Errol Johnson.

“We have a fantastic staff that gels together as we are united and even as the student population has expanded the discipline has remained the same,” she said of the of 1,623 students and 88 staff members.

She noted that the school also has very good extra curricular programmes such as 4H and debating clubs, sports, and cadet.

“The teachers work very hard and the students cooperate and work well,” she said gleaming.