THE streets of downtown Kingston on Monday buzzed with more life than usual, as the atmosphere was lit up by a Kingston College (KC) float parade which brought along with it music and fanfare in celebration of the school’s 100th anniversary.

The parade went from North Street, where the school’s main campus is located, to South Camp Road, East Queen Street, Church Street, King Street and back to North Street.

As the parade went by the various business places in downtown Kingston, workers rushed outside with phones in hand to capture the moment.

What made the occasion even more special was that the school was presented with the Key to the City by Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby, the second such honour bestowed on the all-boys’ school.

KC was first presented with the Key to the City of Kingston in 2000 by then Mayor Marie Atkins.

The historic and momentous event brought great pride and joy to current and past students of KC who were elated to part of this prestigious family.

Eighth-grade student Dominic Brown told the Jamaica Observer that being a part of the celebrations was a fine feeling.

“My favourite colour is purple. I feel good that I am a centenary student, who is around when the school turns 100 years,” said Brown.

Zackary Bennett, an 11th grade student, told the Observer, “It feels good to know that this is my school. It has a lot of history and it is a pedigree institution. This feeling will empower me going into adulthood. The motto is ‘The brave may fall but never yield’ and this pushes me and reminds me never to give up.”

Asani Ramsay, another 11th grade student, said he is proud to be at a school that truly gives opportunities to the youth.

“On a whole, KC has done a lot. I am a young disc jockey and KC has given me the opportunity to play at events such as pre-celebrations for [ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ and] Boys’ Athletics Championships. KC is a really good school. When I get sons, they will come to KC, for sure,” declared Ramsay.

Principal Dave Myrie was grateful to God for allowing KC to still be around and to achieve such a milestone.

“KC, for 100 years, has been educating youngsters from areas other persons might not necessarily want. We are really pleased that God has bestowed His blessings on us and we’ve done 100 years and we intend to another 100 years. I won’t be around for that, but praise God, the school will continue,” Myrie said.

Wayne Robertson, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, who is also chairman of KC’s Centenary Communications Committee, did not hesitate to share that he was a very proud past student.

“Kingston College now has another feather in its cap, a wonderful institution, an institution like no other. As I have said before, Kingston College is the standard by which all other institutions must be measured.

”We have seen over the years where Kingston College has excelled in all areas. We are, without fear of contradiction, the only school that competes for number one in every discipline. That speaks to the dedication of the principal, teachers, coaches, and old boys. It is a team effort. Kingston College is a family-oriented institution with 100 years of glorious achievements. We are very proud that even in our 100th year we are still winning,” said Robertson as he pointed to KC being crowned champions of the annual Boys’ Athletics Championships for the 36th time last month, while also winning and excelling in numerous other sporting fields, including football, lacrosse, and table tennis.

“We are an institution that focuses on academics first. We also happen to excel in all other extra curricular activities,” added Robertson.

KC officially launched its centenary celebrations on November 30, 2023, announcing plans to construct a multi-purpose, state-of-the-art auditorium and a drive to raise $1 billion that will be used to build that facility and fund other legacy projects.

The centenary festivities are being held under the theme ‘Kingston College: 100 years never yielding’, playing on the school’s motto — Fortis cadere cedere non potest, which translates in English to: ‘The brave may fall but never yield’.

On Wednesday, April 16, the actual anniversary of the school’s founding, it will place the icing on its 100th anniversary celebrations with a Centenary Purple Tie Gala Awards Banquet at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.