Our Sincere Gratitude

A great song writer penned these words, “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me, things so undeserved yet you give to prove your love for me. The voices of a million angels cannot express my gratitude, all that I am or ever hope to be I owe it all to thee”. As your President, this is my exact sentiments!

So where are we today, and to whom do we owe gratitude for our journey thus far…

Let me start by thanking all of you who contributed to the success of the Dinner and Dance last Friday September 2nd, 2011. With 163 in ticket sales, even in these very difficult economic times, is commendable, your sacrifice is noteworthy in supporting our cause, which is to give back to our alma mater. While most were present, others showed their support by donating their ticket, so that someone else could be present.

It was wonderful to see the representation from so many cities across the U.S, and foreign countries. Our Guyana representation included Ms. Michelle Sam (the current IT teacher), Mr. Charles Ogle, Mr. Arthur Gibbs, Denise Harris (Guyana Chapter President), Jackie Braithwaite, Karen Williams, and Deborah Dodson-Coulthrust. From London, Esther Apple, Simone Peters, and Debra Roberts-Henry. From Canada, Sharon Riley, Courtney Hubbard, Brian Smith, Ernie Trelfall, George Cumberbatch, and Aretha Abdol. From the Bahamas, Sonia Simon-Jones. I would also like to recognize the following teachers, Ms. Jem Jonas, Ms. Joyann Amsterdam, Ms. Juliet Cornelius, Mr. Kendrick  Charles, Mr. Anthony Budhan, Mr. Colin Basdeo, Mr. Forbes July, Mr. Laurie Talbot, Mr. Charles Ogle, and Mr. Arthur Gibbs…..thank you for still standing by us and supporting our efforts!

Desiree Fredricks -Liverpool, Alison Bishop-Hubbard, Sharon Duncan-Vancooten, and Ivor Thompson, for your dedication and hard work as our ticket agents. To the many others who gave of their time, by making phone calls, sending emails, posting and reposting on facebook, encouraging former classmates, friends, and even family members. Your efforts reaped dividends and everyone in the room that night are your testimony. Simone Phillips, Karen Skinner, Gillian Wyles-Harding, and Forbes July for the wonderful gifts you provided for the raffle. Rev. Samuel John for making the monogram backdrop used in many of our photos, and donating our tickets and flyers.

Executive members Nalini Singh-Lindsay, Simone Phillips, Karen Skinner, Deborah Westmoreland-Scantlebury, Gillian Wyles-Harding, and John Fraser along with our Directors Samuel John, Forbes July, and Janice Inniss…..my heartfelt thanks. We may not always see “eye to eye”, but we somehow seem to get the job done.

Finally, in closing, a very funny but nostalgic moment of the evening for me was to see Dwight Ross (class of 1985) in his Sunday best suit…..on his shirt pocket, he proudly displayed the original school badge and in his back pocket, he carried two exercise books stamped “FREE DISTRIBUTION- NOT FOR SALE” with his business subject notes from 1984.WOW!!! Time will never erase those school days, so thank you Dwight for jogging those memories.