Donna-Lee ‘a beautiful soul’

Administrators at Kingston Technical High School (KTHS)have recalled missing social-media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson as a “beautiful soul” and a model student who displayed much potential for a successful future.

Haydria Stewart, vice-principal of the institution, described her as someone who would light up any room in which she entered.

“Donna-Lee is the kind of person that would not allow you to not know her,” she said, adding that she would have everyone either smiling or laughing.

The 24-year-old’s mid-July disappearance has stoked national outrage, fuelling street protests and social-media fury in a case marked by mystery, a love triangle, and high drama.

Donaldson’s police boyfriend, Noel Maitland, was arrested Wednesday after investigators said there was adequate evidence linking him to her disappearance.

But there has been limited insight - till now - into the history of Donaldson before her evolution into a media magnet.

After sitting Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) examinations at Maxfield Park Primary School, Donaldson transitioned to KTHS in 2010. She had ambitions of becoming a medical examiner.

Throughout her tenure there, she maintained a B- average and was particularly interested in the study of English language and literature.

Stewart recalled, in a Gleaner interview Thursday, days when a “dramatic Donna-Lee” would enter the English and Literature Department with exciting stories to tell.

She made use of those personality traits as a member of the drama and dance clubs, often enrapturing her peers with her performances.

On other occasions, she would visit the department to speak with Nadezda Allen, who taught Donaldson both subjects for three years, on how classes could be improved.

“She had a very analytic mind and was able to dissect her literature materials to the core,” said Allen, adding that the emerging talent was very intelligent and capable of holding a conversation with anyone, she said.

By grade 10, Donaldson served as deputy prefect and later as head girl in grade 11.

As head girl, Donaldson is remembered to have been very influential, displaying exemplary leadership qualities. She was respectful, well-mannered, and took pride in her schoolwork, said Stewart.

When she graduated in 2015, she left with eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) passes under her belt.

The last time administrators saw Donaldson was three years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic hit, when she updated teachers on her accomplishments and her life goals.

It has been 17 days since the social-media personality was reported missing - a day after her 24th birthday.

Many continue to express hope that she will be found alive and can be reunited with her relatives, who have been in distress.

Donaldon’s mother, Sophia Lugg, was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies on Wednesday night in relation to a chronic respiratory ailment.

Subsequent tests revealed that her condition worsened, said Neil Lugg, her brother. He said, however, that her illness is not considered life-threatening.

Vice-principal Stewart disclosed that many teachers at Kingston Technical had reported not eating or sleeping well as they continued to be unnerved by her disappearance.

“Not knowing what has happened to her and fearing the worst based on the number of days that she has been missing, it has really been taking a toll on us. She’s well known and she is well loved,” Stewart said.

Ava Henry, a security guard at KTHS, reminisced on Donaldson’s growing maturity from grade seven onwards.

Henry said she missed the hugs she would receive whenever she saw Donaldson - a highlight of her day.

“We just a keep hope say all is well,” she said.

Close friends and neighbours of the Hagley Park community where Donaldson grew up recalled her as a reserved person who would rarely be spotted on the road unless she was running errands or conducting business.

Dressmaker Claudette recounted the many years during which she sewed Donaldson’s uniforms while the latter attended Rose Gardens Kindergarten and Primary School through to KTHS.

During her high-school years, Claudette said that Donaldson would visit the shop on occasions for assistance with her student-based assessments for the subject clothing and textiles.

It was in those moments that Claudette would teach Donaldson stitch work and other sewing techniques.

“What I know is whatever Donna-Lee tries to do, she do it best. It’s not a girl weh you see she leave school and up and down,” the dressmaker said.

The last time Donna-Lee visited the shop was during carnival season when she went to take a bust measurement for her costume.

Claudette lamented the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, adding that the news has disrupted her productivity.

“It’s so painful. Sometimes you don’t even want to talk about it. Right now, I’m telling you the truth, from she missing, all now me can’t function because I have a lot of schoolwork doing ... and it take a toll on everybody,” she said.

Donaldson was also a regular of Trinity Moravian Church on Montgomery Avenue - not too far from her family home.

A female caretaker who has been in service to the church for more than 20 years recalls Donaldson’s earlier years participating in Sunday school and being actively involved in other activities despite being quiet.

As Donaldson got older, she would accompany her younger brother Alex to study in the church hall for his examinations, the caretaker said.

Donaldson’s presence will be missed by congregants as she would offer assistance in the church’s staging of daily vacation Bible school, held yearly in August.

asha.wilks@gleanerjm.com