YOU’RE taught; you’re fed; you’re heard, seen, empowered, encouraged, and loved in one place, all because of one person. It doesn’t get much better than that.

An environment like that creates individuals who add to the betterment of society, which is what Edward Seaga Infant School has been offering to its students.

In the heart of Denham Town, one of Kingston’s most violent communities, stands the Edward Seaga Infant School, where Principal May Pinnock-Mitchell has been a beacon of hope and change for more than two decades.

After 41 years in the classroom, closing in on retirement, Pinnock has proven vastly how the little things make a huge difference. Ranging from the classroom to the streets, her cape extends beyond her jurisdiction.

With unwavering dedication and a passion for empowering the lives of her students, Pinnock-Mitchell has transformed this once-struggling school into a thriving haven of learning and opportunity.

When Pinnock-Mitchell arrived at the school in 2002, there were only 26 students enrolled. Through her tireless efforts, that number has now grown to more than 150. She personally went out into the streets, recruiting students and igniting hope in the hearts of parents.

This flame of determination spread quickly, inspiring the students, parents, and teachers alike.

One of Pinnock-Mitchell’s first significant achievements was upgrading the school from a basic to an infant institution. This change not only reduced the financial burden on families but instilled a renewed sense of pride in the Denham Town community.

“…It’s like it’s become a prize and a special pride to the people in Denham Town; it’s like a treasure, a big gift.”

Pinnock-Mitchell’s commitment to her students extends well beyond the classroom walls. She ensured that every child had access to a hot meal in the morning and special after-school lessons, catering to their diverse needs.

Her compassionate approach even extended to providing specialised care and attention for students with special needs.

Navigating the challenges of a violent community, Pinnock-Mitchell refused to let the circumstances disrupt the path to success for her students. “At no time our school ever closed,” she said with pride. “We are here to spearhead whatever situation; [the school] is like a haven for the children.”

In the early days, she said, “Every day at 12:00 pm we had to dismiss school; the children come in and we give them all the activities they have to do, and then homework. At 12:00 pm we ask the parents to come in quickly and grab the children, then we have to leave immediately.”

Pinnock-Mitchell’s transformative impact on the school has been remarkable. Under her leadership, the institution has implemented computer and reading labs and has partnered with organisations like the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and Sagicor to build new classrooms and renovate the facilities.

Her influence, however, goes beyond the school’s physical infrastructure. She has been a driving force in empowering her teachers, many of whom were also parents with the heart to help but lacking the necessary qualifications.

Pinnock-Mitchell encouraged them to pursue further education – from HEART/NSTA Trust programmes to college degrees – ensuring they had the tools to support their students’ success.

“[Mrs Pinnock] has been an influencer to me because she helped me in many ways,” said Natalee Dunkley, a transformed parent to teacher who has worked at the school for 17 years. “She had the HEART Trust programme and she introduced me to [it], where I went and did business administration, and she took me and she nurtured me here.”

In her pursuit of student and community success, Pinnock-Mitchell has gone to extraordinary lengths. She has educated parents on childcare and reading, and even partnered with the Kingston Optimist Club to provide training on how to prepare their children for the world.

One of Pinnock-Mitchell’s most impactful initiatives is her support for young mothers, encouraging them to return to school or engage in entrepreneurship so they can better support their children.

Her legacy is more than the Edward Seaga Infant School. She has been a tireless advocate for her community, donating to the Denham Town Golden Age Home and organising student visits during the holidays. Her colleagues and those she interacts with attest to her unwavering hospitality and profound impact.

Teacher of seven years, Marsha Richards Smith, spoke about the variety of work done and accomplishments of her retiring principal.

At the heart of Pinnock-Mitchell’s success lies her deep-rooted passion for teaching and mentoring. She believes that “as a teacher you have to respect yourself and respect others. Whenever working with the inner city, you have to treat each one as being special; let them know that you care and whatever issues they are going through you try to motivate them.”

Even as Pinnock-Mitchell approaches retirement age, her work is far from over. She plans to continue her mission of uplifting and empowering others through private lessons, ensuring that her transformative impact on the lives of her students and community will continue to reverberate for years to come.