PORT MARIA, St Mary — Whenever she dropped her three children off at Faith Basic School, stay-at-home mom Marva Wildman would volunteer to help other students with schoolwork and, at times, lend a hand to parents facing challenges.

She eventually caught the eye of the school principal who noticed her rapport with students and natural flair for teaching.

The headmistress of the Clarendon school — whose name she only remembers as Mrs Irwin — soon hired Wildman and encouraged her to become certified. She did, and then spent the next 30 years as a teacher at the early childhood level. Wildman is now acting principal of Lebanon Basic School in Islington.

“If I were a parent who [just] ‘drop off and leave’ and wasn’t involved in my children’s school life I wouldn’t be the person who I am,” she mused.

She was speaking with the Jamaica Observer on Monday – Heroes’ Day – after being recognised by the St Mary Municipal Corporation in the field of education and community service.

“I am overwhelmed to have even been considered for such an award,” said the soft-spoken woman who has done so much for others.

In addition to her enviable reputation in the classroom and as an administrator, Wildman has a track record of helping the elderly.

“I don’t only give care packages but also see to their holistic well-being as best as I can,” she explained.

Her good deeds have not been limited to her adopted home of St Mary but also extend to the parish where she was born, Clarendon.

Wildman is looking forward to many more years of doing what she loves.

“I love children and I love giving back; I will continue to do so until I die,” she vowed.

— Ingrid Henry