Teachers inspiring the nation with their sacrifice – Dr Andre Haughton

WESTERN BUREAU:

Dr Andre Haughton, the People’s National Party (PNP) spokesman on science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, says the nation’s teachers deserve special commendation.

“It takes a special person to offer themselves and sacrifice for the next generation,” said Haughton, who is the PNP’s caretaker/candidate for the St James West Central constituency, where the school is located.

Haughton, who was speaking at a function to honour 28 teachers and administrators from the Howard Cooke Primary School in Montego Bay, St James recently, for their long and faithful service to education, says their role is inspirational.

“Your dedication inspires us all. You remind us of the importance of steadfastness, communication, commitment, and the push towards creating a better society,” Haughton told the honorees, whose services span five to 39 years.

The long service award, which was held at the St John’s Methodist Church Hall, in Montego Bay, and forms part of the school’s 36th anniversary celebrations, was organised by the school’s Board of Governors, which is led by its chairman Dr Karene Keane.

According to Haughton, who delivered the keynote address, “we live in a selfish world where most people only consider themselves”. He spoke of the selflessness of teachers, who are often called upon to go above and beyond to prepare the nation’s youth for the future.

“Continue to understand the roles that you have to play in harnessing our young talents, including giving our young people the right guidance they need,” urged Haughton. “The parents are depending on you, our young people of Montego Bay are depending on you.”

TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

In a citation presented to Principal Dave Scott for his leadership role at the school, Dr Keane said Scott had guided the transformation of the institution’s output over his 15 years at the helm of the institution named after former educator and Governor-General of Jamaica, the late Sir Howard Cooke.

“As principal, you transformed the school, fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement,” Keane told Scott, who has contributed 39 years to education, which include the last 15 as principal at Howard Cooke Primary School.

“Under your guidance, Howard Cooke Primary School achieved remarkable results in national assessments. You have upgraded the school’s plant by erecting perimeter fencing, paving parking lots, and building wheelchair ramps, and a new classroom block with five classrooms,” added Keene.

Along with their principal, 28 teachers and administrators were honoured for providing remarkable services to the school and the wider education sector.

Among the honourees was the late Veronica Headley Jennings, a beloved vice-principal who served the school for 36 years, 15 of which she served as vice-principal until her death.

Headley Jennings, one of the school’s founding teachers in 1989, passed away on August 29, 2022, leaving a legacy of dedication and excellence in education. She was posthumously recognised for her unwavering contribution to the school and the education sector.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Scott thanked the board members for recognising him and his staff, noting that it was greatly appreciated.

“I am extremely proud of being the leader of such a great institution with such tremendous members of staff and stakeholders,” Scott said. “You, the members of staff and stakeholders, have made me the leader I have become.”