Thursday, July 16, 2020

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 3 GRADUATION YEARBOOK – MT ALVERNIA HIGH SCHO L L IKE MILLIONS around the world, the members of Mt Alvernia High School Alumni Association of Central Florida (MAHSCFL) looked expectantly to the landmark year of 2020. THE ORGANISATION anticipated a year of ‘perfect vision’ when their plans would be cast, and like so many of their past accomplish- ments, their goals would be realised. The MAHSCFL is one of their most prolific alumni chapters and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Although United States- based, their membership comprises past students, family, and friends from around the globe. This vi- brant group has enjoyed numer- ous achievements over the years, including the 2019 purchase of a 32-seater school bus equipped with televisions andWi-Fi. They have also built and equipped a technology centre at the school. The year 2020 was earmarked to be another one of historic giveback to their beloved alma mater. In fact, the organisation also planned to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a spectacular week-long homecom- ing event that would take place at various venues on the island, cul- minating with a grand gala dinner and dance at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa. Some 600 past students and their families from around the world were slated to travel to Montego Bay this September to mark this auspicious occasion of service and celebration. As fate would have it, the 2020 plans will not materialise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This, how- ever, has not stopped the MAHSCFL from contributing to its school community. “When it became apparent that the plans for 2020 had been thwarted, and that our focus had to be redirected, we partnered with principal Mrs Stacy Reynolds in as- sessing the immediate needs of the students and devised a way to help them,” President of the alumni as- sociation Dawn Chin-Jones stated. Chin-Jones said that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the situa- tion of many of the student body and their families became dire.“The benevolence of MAHSCFL answered the call by underwriting an initiative to provide food baskets filled with staples to distribute to needy fami- lies. Our members rallied round our $20 food basket initiative tagged ‘Twenty-twenty mek plenty-plenty’.” That was just one of several efforts that the organisation supported during a time of historic need. The MAHSCFL members were also en- couraged to donate to the COVID-19 relief telethons. During this unprecedented time, like all other learning institutions, Mt Alverniawas facedwith the dilemma of how to celebrate their graduates in a time when social distancing, mask wearing, and small gatherings had become the norm. How could grad- uates be recognised with the pomp and circumstance they deserved? Once again, principal Reynolds part- nered with past students and the Parent-Teacher Association to create a memorable occasion for the class of 2020, Chin-Jones explained. “The students this year had to rise to the challenges not only academically, but emotionally. To the graduating class, no group of students has been impacted more than you, your resilience has pushed you through these trying times. You will be stronger for it when we do come out of this,” she urged in her congratulatory message. She added: “More than ever be- fore, 2020, the year that was billed as one of ‘perfect vision’, brought the school’s motto into sharp focus, Ad Astra Per Aspera – ‘To the Star Through Difficulties’.” Alumni association rises to meet the challenges of 2020 From left: Kyra Simpson, deputy head girl; Dr Denise Joseph-Zollicoffer, vice- president, MAHS Central Florida; Christopher Webb, Jamaica coach; Mrs Stacey Reynolds, principal; Mrs Doreth Chambers, chairman, MAHS board of governors; Mrs Dawn Chin- Jones, president, MAHS Central Florida chapter; and Father Carl Clarke. Caribbean Maritime University students stand guard at the new 32-seater bus donated by the Mt Alvernia High School Central Florida chapter. “When it became apparent that the plans for 2020 had been thwarted, and that our focus had to be redirected, we partnered with principal Mrs Stacy Reynolds in assessing the immediate needs of the students and devised a way to help them,” President of the alumni association Dawn Chin-Jones stated.