ST JAMES, Jamaica — Mt Alvernia High School in Montego Bay marked its 100th anniversary with a major health fair last Friday hosted by its Central Florida International Alumni Association.

Under the theme “Celebrating a Healthier You,” the annual event was expanded this year in recognition of the school’s centennial, offering a wide range of health services and wellness activities for students and staff.

The day opened with a devotion led by alumni members before attendees received screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, waist circumference, and hemoglobin levels. These services were made possible through the National Health Fund and the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

Additional support came from the Ministry of Health, which facilitated HIV testing and a blood drive. Health insurance information was also made available by Guardian Life and Sagicor, both sponsors of the centennial celebrations.

Students were given the opportunity to learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver from alumni working in healthcare, some of whom traveled to Jamaica for the occasion. Alumni also hosted a practitioners’ booth to share medical knowledge and skills. Indies Pharma and CARIMED contributed over-the-counter supplies.

Emotional wellness screenings were conducted and referrals were made where necessary. Health talks in the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral featured the Ministry of Health’s Adolescent Health and Drug Abuse departments, with follow-up discussions led by alumni professionals.

The event also included the distribution of centennial-themed “we care” packages containing personal care items to all 1,400 students. Additionally, 15 lightly used laptops were donated to department heads to support teaching resources.

Cornwall Regional Hospital received medical supplies, while Chetwood Memorial Primary School and Mt Alvernia Prep School were given first aid kits. Seaford Town and Good Shepherd Foundation were also supported with wellness supplies.

CPJ provided refreshments, and Sea Gardens Resort contributed additional supplies. The school’s support staff including groundsmen, housekeeping, and food services were among the beneficiaries and staff from the dance, art, and sewing departments, who received health gift baskets.

President Chin Jones stated “At the end of the day, it was a fulfilling experience for all involved.  I just felt like we were one big family.  It was a great opportunity to build alumni and student relations and remind students that Mt Alvernia is more than just a place of learning, it represents a tradition that has shaped generations of women into leaders, pioneers, and agents of change. We did a great job working as a team.  I’m happy that our mission was accomplished!”