In the landscape of the education sector in Jamaica, there are many issues that one could classify as negative or that gives the sector a black eye. And while it may be argued that educated Jamaicans rank among the best and brightest in the world, it must be said that we have fallen a far way from the lofty heights to which we once aspired.

However, as an educator for the past 21 years, the positives that exist within our beloved sector has not escaped this teacher’s attention. One such is embodied in the personage of Sean Graham, principal of Maggotty High School in St Elizabeth. As leaders go, Graham has been a light of hope and excellence. With over 20 years of classroom education and administrative experience, he has risen from humble beginnings to now command the respect of not only his peers and colleagues alike, but also his students, for whom he habitually goes the extra mile.

I have had the distinction of being associated with several educational institutions, both private and public, over my storied career, and it is my unique position, having viewed the work ethic, leadership styles, implementation of projects, and attention to matters of the heart, that I believe qualifies me to speak as I will now.

My interaction with Principal Graham began in 2016 in an interview that was not only one of my most memorable, but also one that gave excellent insight into who the man I would call boss for the next eight years was. After having arrived late and being allowed to still sit and deliver myself, it was clear that this man meant business by the questions he asked and the challenges he placed before me should I obtain the post. Needless to say, I was successful, and so began the journey. Interestingly, he was also just launching his journey as principal as he had recently been appointed to the post.

During the eight years of our professional association, Principal Graham led several initiatives to not only inspire his students to higher levels of excellence but also to lead the wider school body into an advantageous position to be the school of choice in the Nassau Valley.

Principal Graham is widely involved in all aspects of school life, from leading devotion in the mornings to deejaying at talent shows. He is the consummate all-rounder as the words “hype” and “stand-offish” have no place within his vocabulary.

He is willing to offer counsel or a helping hand to all who he can, and this writer, among a raft of others, has been the recipient of countless opportunities and the all-round benevolence of this august individual. He does not believe in micro-managing his junior leaders but empowers them to make decisions and stand by the results, allowing for others to also aspire to and maintain lead roles both within and outside the institution.

Many former members of staff have moved on to become vice-principals and principals in their own right, as well as students who have moved on to varied positions within Jamaica and the Diaspora. They can all attest to the empowering words and actions of this man of whom I speak.

A practice of his is hiring past students to positions within the school, from lab technicians to actual teachers, giving a boost to their early careers. And equally as noteworthy are the many projects he has led within the school: a customer service charter that is not only emblazoned around the school and in each office but also re emphasised in each meeting; key card sign-in for all staff and students, daily maintenance of the physical plant to ensure that staff and students operate in an environment of excellence; reforms in transportation of students from far flung districts; and much more.

Principal Graham has also been instrumental in the debate team advancing to a first-ever final in the National Schools’ Debate, placing in the final of the 2019 competition, with this writer as an integral part of the coaching staff, in addition to being the top school in law in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) in 2019, as Odain Brooks took the honour of top student in the Caribbean. These are just two of many other notable achievements under Principal Graham’s stewardship.

As a leader, Principal Graham practices an open-door policy, which sometimes becomes the downfall of his day, because many days find him locked in meetings with schools staff, from the ancillary workers to senior administrators, as he seeks to assist, administer, coach, guide, pray for, remonstrate with, and ultimately be a person who not only leads an institution of learning but is also a big brother, father figure, and mentor to so many.

He advocates for all his students, even the ones with maladjusted behaviour and this has not won him many fans or friends. It has been a rocky and sometimes lonely trod in this stance, as many disagree with his decisions to give chances to some of the school’s most notoriously troubled students. And through it all he remains resolute that if we can add value to even one of these students, we would have saved him/her from the landfill of decadence in this country, and this is a trait he is unapologetic about.

As a leader he has been criticised but not minimised, attacked but not defeated, made to question his decisions but never without faith that tomorrow will be a better day. Sean Graham stands as a leader among the top draw, and I consider the time spent as a member of his staff the best of my career so far.

It is with a heart of gratitude that I salute this great educator as he strives to continue to be a force for change and leadership within the education sector in Jamaica, land we love.

sirallwood1@gmail.com