Five educators honoured for 169 years of service

At a special reception inside the banquet hall of the Church of God of Prophecy, Old Harbour, more than 100 persons came together to celebrate the occasion held on May 1.

Each honouree, richly deserving of the acclaim bestowed, gave more than three decades of invaluable time and dedication to education, majority of which was spent at Spring Gardens Primary here in southwest St Catherine. 

The hall, adorned in the school’s blue and yellow colours, set the stage for a heartfelt tribute to a group of educators held in the highest esteem. 

Cherrydon Dennis-Pinnock, who taught for 32 years, was unavoidably absent, but those present surely basked in what was an unforgettable night for them. 

Their immeasurable work “would have fostered a sense of community and belonging within our school,” stated current principal Shernet Chambers Bedward, who noted that “words alone could not adequately express our gratitude or the legacy they leave behind”. 

More than 30 years ago, each educator honoured on the night, would have made a conscious decision to teach future generations – many of who still credit them for the lasting impression forever engraved in their minds. In the community of Spring Village, the names of Diana Bryan-Salmon (34 years), Olive Bromfield-Jackson (34 years), Pauline Humes-Letts (32 years) and Wilfred Wilson (37 years) are legendary. Their service to Spring Gardens Primary and the wider community has undoubtedly cemented their legacy as true leaders who sacrificed everything for a cause that will echo throughout eternity. 

“Thank you for giving so selflessly,” said Lacy Ann Blake, education officer, representing the Ministry of Education Region 6, “for being role models and for nurturing the heart and minds of future generations. Your impact is immeasurable and your contribution will always be remembered.”

Bishop Dr Phillip Johnson, who delivered a keynote address, said the power of telling someone “thank you” is oftentimes undervalued but crucially it is the most satisfying feeling to those who served with a grateful heart. The ordained minister of 24 years and founder of Solid Base Group of Schools, referenced the Gospel of Luke chapter 17 to hammer home his point. “I commend this institution… for the work that these [honourees] have done, I salute you for that… just to turn and say thank you”

Former principal Joslin Gibbs, who was at the helm when all five awardees started their journey at what was then known as the Spring Gardens All-Age School, acknowledged their tremendous years of service and the pleasure he had working with them.

“We were like a family,” he said highlighting the unique qualities of each individual while sharing high and low moments of their journey together. “Despite that,” he continued, “we had a staff that was second to none. I think second to none in Jamaica.”

Winston Smith, speaking on behalf of Dr Mark Smith, president of the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) also recognized the contribution of the quintet before making a special presentation to them. 

The highlight of the night’s event came near the end when each recipient was presented with a framed citation summerzing their contribution to not only the classroom and community but towards nation building in general.

Bryan-Salmon’s “style of leadership “fostered a culture of respect, high performance and amicable school relations” while Bromfield-Jackson, the holder of a master’s degree in education, built a relationship with her students based on the premise “of encouraging them to tap into their reserves in order to achieve their maximum potential”. Humes-Letts’ distinguished service, it was noted, “demanded nothing but optimum standard of discipline and performance”, while Dennis-Pinnock’s work “inscribed an indelible mark on the archives of history”.

Wilson, one of few male teachers to ever teach at the institution, and a clear fan favourite among the audience left a legacy unmatched. As a trained teacher of agriculture he institutionalized many sustainable food programmes that remain cornerstones of the school even to this day. Wilson, it is said, was resolute in his “quest for instilling discipline in the student population” and was an adopted father to many students.  To his mostly female work colleagues he was a “consistent supporting member” and “always the epitome of true masculinity”. 

Speaking on behalf of the honourees, Bryan-Salmon remarked “this is a proud moment for all of us” and that they are grateful to contribute to the growth and development of the community and its peoples. As she highlighted momentous moments at the institution shared by each retiree, Bryan-Salmon, who served as vice principal, said: “It is a pleasure and absolute joy when we meet our past students… but moreso fulfilling when we see them and learn that they have become trained professionals and are now making a worthwhile contribution to society.” 

Acknowledging the mentorship of past principal Gibbs on their development, she added: “We do feel honoured that we made a great difference in their lives and they appreciate us.

“Fellow retirees let us reflect on the human connection we have made, the lives we have touched and hearts we have enriched for it is in these intangible treasures that our true legacies lies.

“Let me use this opportunity to say to my colleagues here that retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living.

“We are proud. We are elated to see all the familiar faces who have come out to support this occasion. The inspiration that we can draw from this event is that we are not forgotten and are appreciated. It is really delightful for you to have given us the roses while we can smell and appreciate them

“Fellow retirees let me on your behalf express gratitude to the staff, the students, the PTA, and other stakeholders, Jamaica Broilers for hosting this celebration in our honour. We may not get the opportunity to walk on King’s House lawns to be recognised nationally but what happened here tonight is a testament to a community of people who would have seen and care enough to recognize our work and our worth. Honestly we feel special, we feel loved and we feel appreciated.”