Jacqueline Simpson-Huntley: born to teach

Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer

EWARTON, St Catherine:

HER BUOYANCY and businesslike attitude have been her hallmark, even before she entered the education domain in 1997. Jacqueline Simpson-Huntley, grade-11 supervisor at Ewarton High School, developed a penchant for teaching at an early age, while a grade-six student at Ewarton Primary School.

The 38-year-old was filled with emotion, as she reflected on her challenging journey en route to fulfilling her lifelong dream, and the impact her stepmother, Alma Simpson, had on her upbringing.

"Sometimes, she would do a little baking and put it in a little bag, and give us to take to school for our lunch, so I like the song I Remember Mama by Shirley Caesar," Simpson-Huntley shared with The Gleaner.

no lunch

Her biological mother died the day after she was born, leaving eight of them. The union between Alma and Harold, her father, then a farmer, later produced five children. They all lived together.

The passionate pedagogue continued to reflect, "There were times when we went home for lunch, but there were also days when we just went home because it was a ritual, because there was nothing to go home to eat, but we didn't stay at school for everybody to know, so we still went home, and when the time was up, we returned to school, pretending we ate," she reminisced.

Still, she did not allow that, nor walking to and from school bare-footed, to stand in the way of producing report cards decorated with A's.

Her recollection of her days at Ewarton Secondary School was punctuated with fond memories of her former principal, Florence. B. Morris-Barrett, and the teachers who had her well-being at heart. After completing her secondary education at Dinthill Technical High, her display of mastery in business education posted her back at Ewarton Secondary School, this time as a clerical assistant.

But, as destiny would have it, she matriculated into Bethlehem Moravian College in St Elizabeth in 1994. Upon graduation, she taught for a year at Mount Rosser Primary School before joining the staff at her alma mater in 1998.

Georgina Murray, a fifth-form student, is among the hundreds of young minds she has moulded.

"When she teaches we usually understand, and if we don't understand a particularly topic, she always go over the information to ensure that we get it. She is always punctual for class, and if she is going to be absent she always sends the lesson," Murray told The Gleaner.

great admiration

During her tenure, the effer-vescent educator has acted in several capacities, including vice-principal, head of the business department, as well as exam coordinator. Her present duties include coordinator of the School Empowerment Programme, assistant exam coordinator, and a member of the annual graduation and sports committee.

Simpson-Huntley's tenacity has won her the admiration of many, including Marvin Clowson, vice-principal.

"Mrs Simpson-Huntley, one of our most outstanding teachers, works extremely hard, is dedicated, honest, cooperative, and supportive. I must say she has made us proud," noted Clowson.

One of those proud moments came in 2009, when she copped the Lasco Teacher of the Year Award.

"When I won the teacher of the year award, I was very happy for myself, but more so for Ewarton High, to say that things are happening at the school," she said proudly.

For her, though, it is the ability to positively impact her students' growth and development which gives her ultimate satisfaction and the drive to continue to serve in the field of education.

"If I can impact lives in any way, that is what makes me happy," Simpson-Huntley smiled.

rural@gleanerjm.com