KINGSTON, Jamaica – Members of the Wolmer’s Boys’ School Class of 82 on Friday morning donated J$1.4 million in a continuing bid to upgrade the school’s junior science laboratory which the class has adopted since 2018.

The year group is now celebrating its 40th anniversary reunion and held a party at the Footprints nightclub to raise funds to improve the learning environment for those students with an aptitude for science.

The symbolic cheque was handed over to school principal, Dwight Pennycooke, by president of the class group and head of the school’s history department, Bandele Sankofa.

“It continues to be an honour and joy to have our group give back to its beloved alma mater. This sort of work does show that we are our brother’s keeper when we seek to assist students to enjoy better facilities than we had during our own time,” Sankofa, who returned to his alma mater to teach after graduating university, said.

Pennycooke was filled with gratitude.

“This is a significant donation especially at this time when we are seeking to bring up the students’ performance in the sciences. Our young men have traditionally done well in the sciences and we have seen a general movement towards engineering. This money will be used to purchase vital equipment. We will always hold class of 82 dear as we have seen their commitment over the years,” Pennycooke said.

This is the second donation that has been made by the year group who donated $1 million in 2018. In addition, members of the year group have contributed to the school in a variety of ways including assisting sports teams, scholarships, mentorship and information and computer technology equipment.

“Our efforts will continue as we are currently discussing plans to make this party an annual or bi-annual event with the aim of it being a part of the country’s entertainment landscape,” Class of 82 member Darren Fowler told OBSERVER ONLINE.