ST JAMES, Jamaica (JIS) — Two former educators at the Breadnut Hill Primary School were on April 7 honoured for their combined service of 57 years at a function held at the Assemblies of the First Born in St Ann.

They are former principal of the institution, Rose Gowie-McLean, and former vice-principal Ellen Garvey-Kelly.

The educators were lauded for their “tireless contribution to the teaching profession and for being integral in Breadnut Hill’s growing academic achievements”.

In his remarks at the function, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr Maurice Smith, said the retirees have sacrificed a lot and are deserving of all the accolades they have been receiving.

“They epitomise and embody everything that is decent. They were the perfect role models… disciplinarians who kept students in check and who to the very end were respected by the community at large. They will always be remembered,” Dr Smith said.

For his part, principal of the Breadnut Hill Primary School, Ricardo Kennedy, noted that the two retirees are model teachers who have “inspired hope, ignited the imagination, and instilled a love of learning in the students placed in their care for over 57 years.”

He said the appreciation service was a way to show how much they have positively impacted the Breadnut Hill School community and how much they will be remembered as two stalwarts who made a difference in the lives of many students.

“The legacy that Mrs Gowie-McLean has left spans 35 years of unbroken service while Mrs Garvey-Kelly has given 22 selfless years. Not only have they provided guidance to teachers and students but under their leadership, Breadnut Hill has developed to being one of the best schools in Jamaica today,” Kennedy stated.

Board Chairman of the Breadnut Hill Primary School, the Rev Karen Kirlew, said the close working relationship between the two educators was an inspiration to many and that the school benefitted tremendously from it.

“They both offered exemplary stewardship to school and community, touching lives in memorable ways. The interest of Breadnut Hill Primary was always first and foremost in their minds, and they have left a legacy that will long be remembered,” Rev Kirlew said.