Principal of the St Mary-based Horace Clarke High School, Christopher Walker, says he expects the rural institution to be among the top schools in cricket in coming years after ground was broken for a cricket pitch to be laid at the school, recently.

“I am happy for the benefactors who will help to unearth the talent of the students. We see ourselves possibly in the finals of the Headley Cup three years from now,” Walker said following the handover of a cheque to the school, formerly known as Islington High, by the United Kingdom chapter of the Alpha Old Boys’ Association.

The cheque was handed over by Alpha Old Boy, Basil Hylton. The sum was not disclosed.

Additional work expected to be carried out include the expansion of the school’s cricket ground.

Walker said he was happy with the support the Alpha Old Boys are giving because schools in rural Jamaica are often forgotten.

Hylton said with his love for cricket he was even more motivated to contribute towards the laying of the pitch for the school.

“It is a pleasure to be here; it is a pleasure to be associated with this. We are here to help in any way we can,” he said.

The old boys also donated three engines to the school for its mechanical engineer programme.

Adrian Pinnock, teacher, said having the engines will give the students a more practical experience.

“It will give them a more on the job experience. While we teach using books and projectors, it is not the same. When you have the live engines they learn better,” he said.

He added that students are already learning how to pull the engine apart and to fit it back together.

President of the association, Charles Simpson, who has been instrumental in getting his former schoolmates to contribute to the school, explained that the group started giving to the institution about two years ago and has since adopted it.

He said that association was approached by former principal Errol Johnson, now Custos of St Mary. Since then, the association’s United States and United Kingdom arms have refurbished the school’s computer lab; donated sewing machines; barber chairs and other items over the last two years to improve the learning experience of students.

Some students have also been assisted financially by the group.

Simpson said the group intends to continue to work with the school to add to the development of the students.