MONTEGO BAY, St James — In honour of the memory of their son, Lucas, parents Raymond “Ray” Therrien and Anne Chang presented $5 million to Mount Alvernia High School’s legacy project on Tuesday.

Surrounded by family and friends, they provided the school with resources that will give much-needed support as the institution pushes to renovate its auditorium and purchase a generator as part of centennial celebrations.

“A big part of this is wanting to keep the memory of Lucas Therrien alive and support the community and ensure that perhaps something good can come from this loss for us,” Ray Therrien told the
Jamaica Observer following the handover.

“We are so grateful that we can at least do something good in this difficult time for us,” he added.

Therrien explained that they wanted to do something to celebrate Lucas’ life that was cut all too short. He died suddenly at age 22 while living in Canada. Though Lucas had no direct connection to Mount Alvernia High, the ‘Friends of Luke’ group chose to help the school, in his name.

“This year we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of his loss, and there was a celebration of Mount Alvernia for their 100th anniversary. As a group, we all got together and said what could we do in memory of Lucas to contribute to the school and to kick off this centennial celebration,” he stated.

Therrien said their initial expectations were dwarfed by the level of support received after they told individuals about their plans.

“We had a goal of raising $1 million, we were able to achieve $5 million and that is because of the closeness of our group, our friends, our family, and a testament to Luke who is such an important person,” he said.

“They want to improve the auditorium which serves as the cafeteria. Now, our son, he lived for food and so for Luke to be able to provide a $5-million donation to help kick-start the improvements to the auditorium and things that they could do for the cafeteria, it’s heartfelt. I know that there will be a part of Luke that will be a part of Mount Alvernia moving forward that way,” the proud father added.

Refurbishing of the auditorium is expected to get underway as soon as enough funds are raised to begin the project. The auditorium upgrade is among several initiatives planned by Chetwood Memorial Primary, Mount Alvernia Preparatory, and Mount Alvernia High schools as they celebrate 100 years.

“We are hoping that at the end of the year we can raise enough funds to get these projects done. We are seeking to raise $100 million and of that amount — between the auditorium and the generator — it’s about $20-plus million,” said Centennial Committee chair Marline Stephenson Daley.

“This is a start, this is our kick-start amount and we just want to appeal to corporate Jamaica to assist us in making sure that we do have a legacy that when we leave here, the students that come will have something that is enduring and something that will make a difference in the teaching learning experience and in their lives,” she declared.

Each of the three schools will have a legacy project. Chetwood Memorial Primary is building a pavilion area dedicated to outdoor activities, while Mount Alvernia Prep will work on building out classrooms, bathrooms, and a library.

“We certainly hope that this [donation in Lucas’ memory] spurs other private sector entities to come on board because it is a long way. We raised some funds from our brunch, we had a combined brunch where all the schools combined, and that is going to be split between the schools,” she explained.

Principal of Mount Alvernia High Kayon Whyne explained what the improvements will mean for the school and those using it.

“A modern building, a sort of conducive environment for extended learning, if it so desires that we extend our classes there, then so be it. I am looking at even an area where the community can also use to host weddings and other events,” she said happily.

Whyne said it will be a modern facility with the latest amenities.

“We are looking at having the entire building air conditioned, re-floored, re-roofed and windows and doors to suit what a building of higher value looks like,” she said.

Expressing hope that the refurbishment works will be completed next year, she could not hide her gratitude to the family and friends of Lucas Therrien for their donation.

“It is an awesome, inspiring moment and we are grateful as an institution,” she said.

Family and friends of the late Lucas Therrien gather at Mount Alvernia High School on Tuesday as his parents made a $5-million donation in his memory.