MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Jill Stewart MoBay City Run on Tuesday donated $1 million to Mt Alvernia High, Mt Alvernia Prep, and Chetwood Memorial Primary, three institutions founded a century ago by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, to support their centennial celebrations.

Speaking during the official cheque handover ceremony at Mt Alvernia High School, Janet Silvera, an alumna of Mt Alvernia and chairman of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, explained that half of the donation will be allocated to her alma mater.

“This is not our first contribution. In the past, we donated $750,000 to Mt Alvernia,” Silvera said.

“As we celebrate 100 years let us not just look back at the accomplishments but look forward with purpose. Education cannot survive on Government support alone,” she added.

Silvera noted that the $1-million donation comes on the heels of Monday’s $250,000 contribution by the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run towards the campaign to save the arts, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to empowering young people through education and creativity.

That donation of a quarter million dollars comes at a critical time for First Dance Studios, which, after 11 years of nurturing talent, is now facing challenges to survive. The campaign to save the arts seeks to secure funding and support to keep its doors open, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from arts education and creative expression.

“We’re on a roll because we believe that education is not just a cause, it’s a mission. It is the bedrock of opportunity. One hundred years is no easy feat. This centennial celebration is a defining moment — not just for these schools, but for the generation of students whose lives have been transformed by the lessons learned here,” said Silvera.

In expressing gratitude, Mt Alvernia High School Principal Kayon Whyne noted that the donation highlights the power of unity and community spirit.

“As we celebrate this significant milestone — the handover from the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run — I am reminded of the power of unity and community spirit. This event beautifully demonstrates what we can achieve when we come together. It fills my heart with immense pride to be on the receiving end of such generosity during this our 100th anniversary celebration,” she said.

Garvin Atkinson, principal of Chetwood Memorial Primary, who also expressed gratitude, hailed the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run for their commitment to education.

“The children are the reason why we come. They are the most important asset of our education system. And so, as we unite together to serve our children let us remember that we are not serving this generation alone but generations to come because education is a game changer. When you educate one you educate a generation for life,” Atkinson said.

Silvera pleaded for more support for the schools and the young minds they are moulding.

“I invite you all to invest in the future of the students who sit in these classrooms because they will become the leaders, innovators and nation builders of tomorrow. Stand with these schools so that the next 100 years will be even greater than the first. Let us make this centennial not just about a moment of pride, but the beginning of a new era of partnership and commitment. That’s where my commitment comes in. I will always support the school,” she pledged.

“Together we can ensure that Mt Alvernia High School, Mt Alvernia Prep and Chetwood Memorial Primary remain pillars of excellence for generations to come. On behalf of the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, it is my honour to celebrate this milestone with you. May this centennial inspire the next 100 years of excellence, resilience and service,” Silvera added.

Launched in 2014, the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run is a 10K/5K charity run/walk event in Montego Bay. The event has raised more than $34.5 million in scholarships for students and institutions in western Jamaica. Guided by the motto:“We Run for Education,” the event continues to transform lives through access to learning and opportunity.

Chairman of Jill Stewart MoBay City Run Janet Silvera speaking during Tuesday’s handover of $1 million to Mt Alvernia High, Mt Alvernia Prep, and Chetwood Memorial Primary. The ceremony took place at Mt Alvernia High. Horace Hines

Ashley Anguin (second right), chair of administration for the Jill Stewart MoBay City Run, presents a symbolic cheque of $1 million to (from left) Kayon Whyne, principal of Mt Alvernia High School; Garvin Atkinson, principal of Chetwood Memorial Primary; and Therisa Cherian, principal of Mt Alvernia Preparatory and Kindergarten School, during a ceremony at Mt Alvernia High on Tuesday.