Herbert Stephenson is a disciplinarian, hard worker, a family man, a Christian who dedicated thirty four years (34) of service to Ocho Rios High and over thirty five years (35) to service in the Kiwanis Club.
He served as president for the Kiwanis club of Ocho Rios between 1995 and 1996 and is a director of the club, a position he has had for over thirty five years.
He stated that working in the construction industry he was encouraged to get certified and share his knowledge with others. In 1974 he enrolled in the HEART Vocational Training Institution at Gordon Town Road, St Andrew where he studied
At the age of twenty five, in 1975, his teaching career began at Ocho Rios High School where he taught Industrial Arts. Mr. Stephenson spent all of his teaching career at the Ocho Rios High School. The number of years spent at the institution is a measure of the love he has for the school. “I have been at this institution so long it has become a part of me. I have watched the school blossom into a beneficial institution, many programmes have been developed, and many changes have been made. I am glad that I could have contributed to the success of this school,” said Mr Stephenson.
He is a firm believer in students exhibiting good behavioral attributes and upholding the motto of the institution Per ardua adastra (By steep and toilsome ways to the star). He noted that throughout his teaching career he used as guide lessons he leant from the first principal of Ocho Rios High School, the late Mavis Muir Irwin. He stated that she was a stern, disciplinarian who encouraged him to bring out the best in every student. “I have adopted styles of disciplining students from her.”
In an interview with The Times he highlighted that the earlier days in his teaching career were much more fulfilling compared to his later years. Mr. Stephenson said that in earlier times one was able to discipline students with more authority.“However things have changed a bit hence the indiscipline started creeping up in the schools across Jamaica” stated Mr Stephenson
Thou he was a disciplinarian he had a good rapport with his students. I showed them respect, hence in most cases they did the same.” Throughout the years he served not only as a teacher but also a father figure to many students, especially the boys with whom he interacted most because of the vocational area he taught. He stated that he encouraged the boys on a daily basis to be responsible and always try to be leaders “I have been a confidante in some cases I became a counsellor for number of students.”
While at Ocho Rios High he was the manager of the athletics, football and cricket teams. He noted that he enjoyed this position and did his best each year to develop the teams.
Mr. Herbert Stephenson grew up in a humble family in Beechamville, Claremont St. Ann. He attended the Claremont Primary School and he said he and his siblings had to attend church and school.
Stephenson is a husband, father and a grandfather. In 1996 he married the love of his life, Hazel Brown. This union produced four children, two boys and two girls. The youngest is completing her masters in microbiology while the others live abroad.
Mr. Stephenson stated that life after retirement is one filled with gratitude and appreciation for having life. He noted that the first year after retirement was a little challenging “I missed the classroom, I missed interacting with the students. However I have overcome those feelings. Actually I am glad I am retiree now because some of changes and challenges in the schools are unbearable.”
He has turned his attention to farming. “Though it is hard work I stay committed,” stated Mr. Stephenson. He said that he has passion for cooking and once saw it as a next career option; hence he stays home cooks delicious meals and enjoys life.
He now dedicates his time to his church which is The Ocho Rios Methodist Church. He is a firm believer in community development and spiritual upliftment. He uses his time through the Kiwanis Club to communicate and help the less fortunate.
His volunteerism and advocacy for helping persons have earned him numerous award such as the director of the year award from Kiwanis International 2014-2015, he was also the recipient of the 2010-2011 award from the Kiwanis Club for outstanding service to community development. He was also acknowledged by Ocho Rios High School for faithful service to the institution in December of 2000, before the latest recognition.
