HER VISION AND WORK STARTED THE ST ANN’S BAY PRIMARY SCHOOL PAST STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
Honoured In St Ann by the Municipal Corporation for, among other things, starting and keeping the St Ann’s Bay Past Students Association going
Carlene Whittingham was one of six people honoured by the St Ann Municipal Corporation’s Civic Affairs Committee on Heroes Day, last month. The North Coast Times highlights a part of Mrs Whittingham’s work:
(President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce, Ransford Davidson, at right) presenting the plaque to honouree Carlene Whittingham)
Not many primary schools have a past student association.
St Ann’s Bay Primary School has one that is very active, contributing to the institution, thanks largely to the efforts of Carlene Whittingham (nee Wynter).
For her vision, efforts and leadership Mrs Whittingham was honoured on Heroes Day in St Ann’s Bay. The citation to her said she was being recognized for her Philanthropy and Outstanding Community Service.
She, in turn, says it’s many hundreds of past students and friends who have made it all possible.
Carlene attended St. Ann’s Bay Primary School and says she is forever grateful to the school and its teachers. Though she has lived away from St Ann’s Bay for more than 30 years, a series of events moved her to consider supporting the school and honouring those who had supported her early education.
In 2014, she made a call through a Facebook post for past students of St Ann’s Bay Primary to consider getting together and supporting the school. She got a response from more than 1,000 past students from all over who were interested and willing. The following year, 2015, they had the first reunion with a week of activities that also included a dinner honouring former teachers and principals of the school. They even had a march through the town of St Ann’s Bay.
The Association was Incorporated in Florida in 2015, for past students worldwide with a chapter in St Ann’s Bay.
ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL
The St Ann’s Bay Past Students Association has been assisting the school in many ways, including with financial support for a breakfast programme, in collaboration with the St Ann’s Bay Methodist Church.
Principal of the School Trevor Cole told The North Coast Times that Mrs Whittingham was instrumental in forming the past students association. He said, through her passion and dedication, the Association has helped in many ways.
Mr Cole said St Ann’s Bay Primary is “Deeply and eternally grateful to Mrs Whittingham, her leadership and passion and the people she has mobilized to assist.”
They also assist annually by providing funds to the top male and female performers in grade six (as determined through the Primary Exit Profile Examinations).
Mrs Whittingham’s philanthropy extends beyond the school and she has helped friends in getting support for the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.
SUPPORTS NATIONAL HERO
The citation also recognized her work as a strong believer in Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first National Hero.
She has used her influence and respect for Garvey’s work to help provide financial support for a Garvey Documentary – Marcus Garvey As A Boy In St Ann’s Bay. The documentary was presented to the Ministry of Education last year, to be made available in schools.
Mrs Whittingham told The North Coast Times she was deeply honoured to receive the award from the St Ann Municipal Corporation’s Civic Affairs Committee.
“This is something I never expected. For me, it is a wonderful feeling to be able to give back to the school. It’s the work of a whole team. I am a fourth generation St Ann’s Bay past student.”
Mrs Whittingham serves as the President of the St Ann’s Bay Past Students Association.
One of her classmates at St Ann’s Bay Primary was Barbara Sharpe who is now Principal of PenTab Academy, a faith-based educational institution in Florida. After college, years ago she returned to St Ann’s Bay to teach. Dr Sharpe says St Ann’s Bay Primary taught her everything she needed. Now she is happy to support the school. For her “Carlene (Whittingham) is fully deserving of the award. She has given so much and works with passion.”
Attorney Erica Boswell Munroe is one of the past students who is proud of the school and of Mrs Whittingham’s leading support for it. Mrs Boswell Munroe, is a member of the Advisory Council of the St Ann’s Bay Past Students Association Board who received the Order of Distinction (Commander Class), CD, for her sterling contribution to Legal Drafting and Legal Education in Jamaica, is full of admiration for Mrs Whittingham. She says the award to Mrs Whittingham is well deserved.
Mrs Whittingham says she hopes the award motivates others as well as the present supporters to stand behind the school and to keep giving to make lives better.
Mrs Whottigham, 4th from left among the honourees at the function at the foot of Garvey’s Statue in St Ann’s Bay, in October.
