KINGSTON College (KC) will on Thursday, November 30, 2023 launch its centenary celebrations featuring a raft of activities over the next two years that will climax on April 16, 2025, the 100th anniversary of the school’s founding.

Scheduled for 10:00 am at Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, the launch will see officials from the school, the old boys’ association and the Centenary Planning Committee outlining some of the events, including the fund-raising efforts that will drive the 100th anniversary legacy project which will be made public at the time.

The launch will also feature a special guest address by distinguished KC alumnus and former West Indies cricket great Michael Holding, as well as remarks from minister of state in the education ministry Marsha Smith.

“The entire KC family in Jamaica and around the world is excited and energised by our upcoming centenary celebrations,” said Kingsley Cooper, chairman of the Centenary Events Sub-Committee.

“As plans unfold and events and activities become reality, we are confident that the best of the legendary KC school spirit and record of excellence will be on display. We also hope to celebrate a number of legacy projects which will enhance the school’s performance for many years to come,” added Cooper, himself a KC old boy and one of Jamaica’s foremost entrepreneurs in the entertainment and lifestyle industries.

Entertainment will be provided by the KC Chapel Choir, vocal group Nomadz, and the KC Dancers.

The launch will be live-streamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/vWhVwUSIW4k?si=IIqKlZ_IYptnR3N3

Regarded as one of Jamaica’s foremost high schools, KC was founded on April 16, 1925 by Rev Percival Gibson who served as its first headmaster. At the time he founded the school, Gibson was a priest in the Anglican Diocese. He was enthroned as lord bishop of Jamaica in 1955 and served in that post until 1967.

The school was created primarily to provide poor black boys, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, with a secondary education. The founder was convinced that there was a treasury of untapped talent among the black working and lower-middle classes.

Kingston College was opened on property at the intersection of East and North streets, downtown Kingston, with 49 students. Today it occupies two campuses — 2A North Street and the Melbourne campus at 13 Upper Elleston Road.

The school is noted for its strong academic and sports tradition, and the choir — rated as world class — has given concerts across the island and around the world.