Honouring a century of excellence
KC unveils commemorative stamps to mark 100 years
KINGSTON College (KC), in collaboration with the Jamaica Post, on Wednesday unveiled commemorative stamps to mark its 100th birthday.
Chairman of the school’s board of management Michael Vaccianna described the moment as a sacred one and a tribute to KC’s founder Bishop Percival Gibson.
“The unveiling of the Kingston College centenary stamp collection is more than a tribute, it is a national honour and a solemn affirmation of the values and vision that have guided Kingston College for 100 years,” said Vaccianna during a function at the school’s St Augustine’s Chapel under the theme, ‘100 years — never yielding’.
“These stamps, each one carefully crafted, tell a story that is both deeply Jamaican and profoundly global. They tell of a school that has shaped minds, souls, and strengthened a nation. They remind me that our legacy is not measured merely in years but in impact.
“In the lives change, the standards set, and the excellence sustained. Pride must never lead to complacence. Let us honour this milestone, not with nostalgia alone but with a renewed purpose and an unshakeable belief in the greatness yet to come at Kingston College. Long live the Fortis spirit. May it ever rise, never yield and always inspire” Vaccianna added.
The school’s principal, Dave Myrie, said the unveiling of the centenary stamp collection is more than a national honour.
“It is an intimate reflection of our spirit, our journey and our unwavering Fortis resolve. A stamp, though modest in size, is mighty in meaning. I transcends borders, carriers’ history and now bears the essence of Kingston College…These stamps are emblems of courage, excellence and legacy of shaping not just colours but principle men of purpose” said Myrie.
“Today as we honour a century of excellence, we do not do so with finality but with vision, we are building the next 100 years stronger, wiser [and] more united. May these stamps travel far and wide carrying with them the pride, legacy, and enduring light of Kingston College. Fortis then, Fortis now, Fortis forever,” Myrie added.
In the meantime, Postmaster General Lincoln Allen said the stamps will not only help to raise awareness of KC but ensure that its legacy remains firmly grounded in Jamaica’s history.
“This [collection] includes three set and a souvenir sheet featuring the school’s first Headmaster Bishop Percival Gibson, the recently renovated entrance to the main building and the iconic school crest. The stamps are available in denominations of $100, $120 and $180 beginning today. Customers can purchase these commemorative stamps to mail packages both locally and internationally,” said Allen.
“Philatelist can expand their collections, while KC alumni and supporters with the Fortis spirit may choose from a range of customisable memorabilia including first day covers, souvenir sheets, key rings, paper weights, frame stamps. All of which is available at our major post office locations islandwide,” Allen added.
Kingston College is the second secondary institution to have made a formal request for, and granted, a full commemorative stamp by the Jamaica Post.
The first was Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” in 2005.
