HOLDING firm to the belief that education is for improving the lives of citizens while providing stability in our homes and communities, the Lasco Chin Foundation, along with the Ministry of Education and Youth (MoEY) and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), recognised the immense work of Jamaican educators at the Lasco/MoEY/JTC 2022 principal and teacher of the year awards on February 3 at Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

At the close of the annual ceremony top honours were bestowed upon Dwayne Mulgrave, principal of Discovery Bay High School; Jody Brown, teacher at Morant Bay Primary School; and Gina Mullings, technical and vocational education and training teacher at St Catherine High School.

Along with their champion trophies, each top awardee received a cash prize of $100,000 gifted on a LASCO gold card courtesy of Lasco Money, and a variety of gift baskets.

Additionally, the awardees will have an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 2023 Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conference to be held in Denver, Colorado. A total of 121 educators were also honoured for their outstanding service.

In remarks delivered by Lisa Watts, deputy general manager at Lasco Manufacturing Limited, founder and executive chairman of Lasco Affiliated Companies, Lascelles Chin said few hold the destiny of a nation in their hands quite like its teachers.

“So it is only right that we take the time to celebrate and honour their efforts to show our appreciation. These nine extraordinary men and women, along with all the educators we honour today, have taken up the mantle to shape our nation’s future through education.”

He continued: “For too long our society has not put value on skills training. As a result there is currently a shortage of tradesmen and skilled workers — not just in Jamaica, but across the developed world. In Europe, in North America, and here at home, news reports of labour shortages populate the airwaves.

“To put it bluntly, we cannot achieve economic reliance without a well-educated workforce. Traditional teachers, TVET trainers, and principals are the backbone of the local education system upon which we rely to produce a well-educated workforce. It is clear that a transformation of the social values at our educational institutions is necessary in order to make them centres of excellence, not just for academia but conflict resolution, collaboration, compassion, and acceptable human interaction.”

Motivated by a zest for knowledge and a passion for service to humanity, Principal of the Year Dwayne Mulgrave is guided by the philosophy, “We must aspire to inspire before we expire”. He has served the education system as teacher of geography and the social sciences, senior teacher, vice-principal, and acting principal.

With more than a decade of experience, Teacher of the Year Jody Brown has risen above the negative proclamations over his life and contributed to the holistic development of children in the education sector.

Boasting accomplishments such as training children in 4-H who are parish and national champions; and conducting professional development sessions for JTC, his school, and other institutions within the region, Brown continues to demonstrate his commitment to being a steward of actionable change.

Patrice Graham Kelly of Sydney Pagon STEM Academy and Suzan Hart of George Headley Primary were named runners-up.

Often described by peers as the “go to” mentor, lead teacher, professional development giant, and classroom practitioner, TVET Teacher of the Year Gina Mullings has built a legacy of inspiration for her students and colleagues over her 29 years of service. Mullings is certified in guidance and counselling and community lay work and was recently awarded the Global Education Citizen Award for 2023.

Runners-up for the Principal of the Year Cheryl Grant-Mitchell, Anchovy Primary School; and George Goode, Old Harbour Primary School, were lauded for their emphasis on the social and academic development of the student body. Goode also copped the People’s Choice Award.

Nyoka Sewell Powell, Troy High; and Sasha Pennicooke, Horace Clarke High, runners-up for the TVET Teacher of the Year, were recognised for their constructivist approach to teaching and learning.