THE community of Kitson Town, St Catherine, has conferred on six teachers the inaugural Leslie Hanson Distinguished Educator Award for commitment to teaching and community service.

They were selected from early childhood and primary schools in communities in the area, and presented with plaques and scores of gifts from Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Digicel Foundation, CDACC Holdings Limited, Ashman’s Foods, Guardian Life Foundation, Juci Beer, SSE Wholesale Groceries and More, and other entities and individuals.

Held at the Kitson Town Resource Centre in the parish on Teachers’ Day, May 8, the awardees were late principal of Dover Basic School Yvette Facey-Nixon; retired vice-principal of Kitson Town Primary School Juliet Lattibeaudiere; retired principal of Paul’s Mountain School Marjorie Brown; principal of Ackles Hill Basic School Paulette Washington-Forbes; reading teacher at Kitson Town Primary School Mariana Francis; and former teacher at Paul’s Mountain All-Age School John Golding.

Francis said the recognition “serves as a source of inspiration to spur me on my journey which I started 23 years ago”.

“It is not often the nation’s teachers are recognised for their work and worth within their institutions, or by external agencies and bodies,” she told her audience.

Washington-Forbes said she was humbled by the honour, and “this award not only acknowledges our dedication and effort but also enlightens the importance of community involvement in education”.

“We are committed to continuing our work and to making [a] positive impact on the lives of children and families,” she said.

The event was held under the theme, ‘Visionary educators and impactful mentors’, and organised by the Kitson Town Civic Committee. Chairman of the group Garfield Angus said the teachers were recognised for the work they do in the classroom, and “more importantly, every time you reach a child, in special ways, you are ensuring that the future is beautiful for all”.

The chairman also lauded the late Leslie Hanson for shaping the lives of his students in a “beautiful manner” through his hard work and dedication.

In her address Juliet Lattibeaudiere remembered Hanson as a “true beacon” of inspiration and guidance in the field of teaching who stood as a shining example and transformative influence, embodying visionary educators with forward thinking.

Further, the former vice-principal said Hanson also revolutionised the classroom with creativity, and imparted valuable knowledge to his students.

“He served as a compassionate guide and steadfast supporter, nurturing the next generation of leaders with wisdom and empathy,” she said.

The late Hanson formalised early childhood education in Kitson Town. He was a teacher in the sector, moved up to primary education, and then taught at the then Kitson Town All-Age School where he inspired many young people in the Kitson Town community. After his retirement from the education system his work in the community continued as a justice of the peace, Baptist deacon, and a community elder.

His daughter Dr Paulett Hanson Kenwood said the family is grateful for the honour and remembrance of her father, stressing that he was not just a teacher.

“Daddy was everything. We have to show gratitude to those who came before us and set the pace for us,” she said.

The Kitson Town Civic Committee was established in 2017. Since then it has honoured two early childhood educators who gave almost 100 combined years of service to the community. In 2022 it painted Kitson Town Basic School, and prior to that members of the group donated computer tablets and other support for teachers at Kitson Town Basic School. In 2023 the group honoured nine community builders.