STERLING Asset Management has stepped in to support Hampton School and Munro College, two historic educational institutions in St Elizabeth, which were hard hit by Hurricane Beryl.

The company has donated $1 million to the schools to aid in the repair and rebuilding efforts necessary to restore the damaged facilities.

Founded in 1858, Hampton School for girls and Munro College for boys have been pillars of Jamaica’s educational landscape.

However, Hurricane Beryl left a painful mark on both schools, causing extensive damage throughout their campuses situated on approximately 150 acres of land more than 2,000 feet above sea level.

The storm ripped through the Santa Cruz Mountains, destroying roofs, windows, and other structures at both schools.

Michelle Valentine, assistant vice-president of marketing and communications, and Dwayne Neil, assistant-vice president of personal financial planning at Sterling Asset Management, travelled to St Elizabeth recently to present the donation.

Neil, who has ties to St Elizabeth, highlighted the importance of supporting his home parish during this difficult time.

“As someone born and raised in St Elizabeth it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of this initiative to help restore these schools. Sterling’s contribution will go a long way in helping both institutions recover,” said Neil.

In the meantime Ann-Marie Powell, acting vice-principal at Munro College, shared her appreciation.

“It is heart-warming to see the team drive from Kingston to personally present this donation. This support will go a long way in helping us rebuild and prepare for the new school year,” said Powell.

She was supported by Garsia Rankine, the school’s acting principal, who pointed out that the school felt the full force of Hurricane Beryl, and many of its staff members experienced serious damage to their homes.

“This donation will go a far way in aiding not just the school’s recovery, but also the wider school community,” said Rankine as she noted that despite the ongoing repairs the school welcomed back all its students on September 16.

At Hampton School, Headmistress Mahvell Charlton-Brown provided an update on the school’s recovery,

She pointed out that the rebuilding process was about 65 per cent complete, and students resumed classes on September 16.

“Even though we’ll be working within the constraints of limited space, this donation is truly appreciated and we’re thankful for the support of Sterling Asset Management,” said Charlton-Brown.