MONEAGUE COLLEGE VP SAYS IT’S A TRIBUTE TO ALL THE TEACHERS IN HER LIFE
MONEAGUE, ST ANN; JUNE 7, 2025
Vice Principal of The Moneague College, Dr Jacqueline Thames, has received the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for her services to education, in a career spanning more than 35 years.
(Dr Jacqueline Thames receiving the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation)
She was among the 2023 cohort, part of the larger group of eighty educators, who received their medals on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Jamaica House.
Much of her career has been intertwined with Moneague College, St Ann, which she entered as a student in 1984 and then, following the closure of the college, was transferred to the Mico, where she completed her Diploma in Secondary Education.
After college, she worked at Tacky High and Guys Hill High schools and returned to the Moneague in 1993 as a lecturer.
She has since served in several capacities there, including heading the social sciences department, curriculum committee, and registry before being appointed Vice Principal in 2011. She has served twice as acting Principal.
Jacqueline Thames’ academic pursuits continued alongside her professional journey. She earned a BA and a Master’s Degree in Education, both at the University of the West Indies. She went on to attain a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education from Delaware State University in the United States.
With over 37 years of committed service to education, her contribution was recognized in 2024 with the prestigious Jamaica Teachers’ Association Golden Torch Award for long and distinguished service.
Of the latest award, the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation, she told the North Coast Times: “I am deeply honored, elated, and profoundly grateful that my years of service to education have been recognized at the national level. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires unwavering commitment and hard work, and it is truly humbling to be singled out for my efforts. This award is a tribute to all the teachers in my life, chief among them, my sister, Dr. M. Byfield, for lighting the way for me.”
Dr. Thames, now VP for Student and Administrative Affairs, has played a role in guiding The Moneague College through its major strategic decisions and accomplishments since joining the staff in 1993, culminating in its momentous achievement of institutional accreditation.
She says the PM’s award not only affirms the value of her work but also strengthens her resolve to continue making a lasting, positive impact on anyone who comes into her sphere of influence.
