STATHS Trust – legacy in action

For the Saint Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), legacy is a structured, living system. At the centre of that system is the STATHS Trust, an organisation deliberately designed to ensure that support for the school is sustainable, strategic, and enduring.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Barrington Johnson, outlined the trust’s philosophy: “The Trust is the first window the school knocks on whenever there is a need,” he said. “But we are not a fund that can simply be drawn on. We are a Trust that the school can depend on.”

That distinction is fundamental. In fact, the organisation deliberately removed the word “Fund” early in its development to avoid the misconception that it holds an unlimited pool of readily accessible money. Instead, it operates as a structured financial body, one that determines how and when contributions are made whether in response to emergencies or long-term institutional needs.

ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY

Established in 2006 by past alumni participating at the 45th anniversary celebrations, the STATHS Trust was created to secure the school’s financial future over the long term. Its mandate is clear and disciplined: to build and manage a substantial pool of funds, in both Jamaican and US dollars, invested for medium- to long-term growth for the benefit of the school in perpetuity.

The Trust’s mission extends beyond fundraising. It serves as the primary vehicle through which alumni can give back,while ensuring that contributions are not just collected but strategically invested.

Its core functions include raising funds through organised initiatives, investing in capital endowment growth, and providing financial support for major infrastructure development projects at the school.

This model ensures that every major intervention has scale and impact.

“Our goal is to ensure that what we do benefits the widest possible cross-section of the school – ideally, the entire student population,” Johnson said.

STRUCTURED GIVING

The trust operates on a disciplined cycle of accumulation and distribution.

Funds are raised through a defined set of activities, including the now-signature 5K Run, benefit performances, and a biennial black-tie banquet that honours individuals who have contributed to the Trust whether or not they are directly affiliated with the school.

“For the past four to five years, we’ve consistently hosted two to three fundraising events annually,” Johnson said. “That consistency is what allows us to build real capacity.”

At the same time, the Trust has been careful to respect the school’s own traditions. One such example is the S.W. Isaac Henry Track and Field Meet; a flagship event deeply embedded in the school’s history.

“We deliberately stepped back for a period to allow that event to regain its strength,” Johnson said. “It is part of the school’s legacy, and we wanted to preserve that.”

QUIET SUPPORT

While its large-scale contributions are visible, some of the Trust’s most meaningful work happens quietly.

In collaboration with Dr Lorenzo Gordon, a founding member of the Trust, a medical support initiative has been established to assist members of the school community. This includes medical consultations, prescriptions, and emergency care where needed.

“It’s not something we publicize,” Dr Gordon shared. “But it reflects our responsibility not just to the institution, but to the people who built it.”

The Trust’s work has taken on renewed energy in the context of the school’s 65th anniversary celebrations. The milestone has served as both a reflection point and a catalyst, bringing together alumni, supporters, and well-wishers from across the globe.

Recent activities have included commemorative gatherings, increased alumni engagement, and special fundraising efforts tied to the anniversary. Notably, returning alumni and visiting supporters have made significant contributions, reinforcing the strength and reach of the STATHS community. The re-emphasis on flagship events such as the 5K Run also signals a commitment to making these activities central to the school’s future sustainability.

“The 65th anniversary has reminded us of the depth of our network and the importance of staying connected,” he noted. “It’s not just about celebrating the past it’s about strengthening the future and being true to our schools’ motto “Honour, Diligence & Service.”

GLOBAL NETWORK

The Trust operates alongside a network of nine alumni chapters across Jamaica, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Each plays a distinct role, for example, The Jamaica Alumni Association manages day-to-day support–helping students with school fees, tuition, meals, uniforms, and examination costs.

The Trust, however, remains focused on its specific mandate: building, investing, and deploying resources in ways that deliver large-scale, long-term impact.

At its core, the STATHS Trust is about legacy ensuring that support for the school is not reactive, but structured, sustainable, and enduring.

As the institution moves beyond its 65th anniversary, the Trust is inviting alumni, corporate partners, and members of the wider community to play an active role in shaping its future. Contributions whether through participation in events, direct financial support, or legacy giving help to strengthen the foundation for generations to come.

“We are building something that will outlive all of us,” Johnson said. “The opportunity is there be part of the legacy.”

To learn more about the trust and how to get involve, contact:

STATHS Trust

64 Spanish Town Road, Kingston 13

P.O. Box 172, Kingston 8

Phone: Jamaica (876) 383-4562 / US (908) 834-7515

Email: stathstrust@gmail.com

Or visit their website: stathstrust.com