NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2025 3 STC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 100TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE IT IS with great pride and profound respect that I extend warm congratulations to the Shortwood Teachers’College Alumni Association as you celebrate 100 years of remarkable service, leadership, and enduring commitment to the education system in Jamaica. Shortwood Teachers’ College has stood as a beacon of excellence in teacher training while supporting, inspiring, and shaping generations of educators who have been instrumental in building the foundation of our nation. Through your tireless efforts, you have fortified the legacy of Shortwood Teachers’ College, not merely as an institution of learning but as a national treasure whose alumni continue to influence every sector of Jamaican society. As the Alumni Association marks this significant milestone, it is fitting that we reflect on the extraordinary individuals who have made indelible contributions to national development having attended this august institution. Women such as Edith Dalton-James, a revered educator and one of the first women to enter Jamaican politics; Mary Morris Knibb, a tireless advocate for social reform and education; and Amy Bailey, a formidable pioneer in the struggle for women’s rights and access to quality education. These are but a few of the giants whose journey began at Shortwood. Likewise, there are modern-day teachers giving service to our nation whose lives have been positively impacted by Shortwood Teachers’ College. The legacy of those past lives on in every classroom taught by a Shortwood-trained teacher, in every child inspired to dream bigger, and in every community uplifted by knowledge and empowerment. These contributions reaffirm that teaching is not just a profession; it is a calling that the members of your alumni association have answered with passion, discipline, a deep sense of purpose, and grace. The centennial anniversary of the Shortwood Teachers’College Alumni Association is more than a celebration of the past; it is a call to action for the future. As Jamaica navigates the complex challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, the role of our educators becomes even more critical. We need teachers who not only impart knowledge but also model integrity, innovation, and compassion. I am confident that the Shortwood Teachers’ College Alumni Association will continue to rise to this challenge, nurturing educators who are equipped to shape a prosperous, inclusive, and knowledge-driven Jamaica. As the Alumni Association shares its rich legacy through upcoming supplements and other commemorative activities, I encourage every member of the Association to reflect on the profound impact you have made and to look forward with optimism and purpose. Let this centenary ignite new energy, strengthen bonds of fellowship, and reaffirm the role of the Association as partners in national educational transformation. On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I commend the Shortwood Teachers’ College Alumni Association for a century of excellence. May the next 100 years be even more impactful as you continue to shape hearts, sharpen minds, and build the Jamaica we all choose and envision for greater success and prosperity. DR THE MOST HON ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica May the next 100 years be even more impactful I AM pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Shortwood Teachers’ College Alumni Association on its 100th anniversary. This centennial celebration, under the theme, “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Present, Charting the Future,” marks a significant milestone in the life of an institution that has contributed tremendously to the shaping of Jamaica’s educational landscape. Shortwood Teachers’College has long stood as a beacon of educational excellence and a vital institution in shaping Jamaica’s intellectual landscape. Its graduates have gone on to influence generations in classrooms across the island, nurturing minds and moulding character with dedication and purpose. The Alumni Association has been an integral part of this legacy, bridging past and present, and ensuring that the vision of the institution remains vibrant. Your ongoing commitment to the institution and its students reflects the true meaning of stewardship and service. Through mentorship, alumni provide guidance and encouragement to current students, helping to shape their academic journey and personal development. Through financial support, whether in the form of scholarships, infrastructural projects, or programme sponsorship, the Shortwood Teachers’ College Alumni Association continues to ensure that opportunities remain accessible and that the College continues to grow and thrive. Alumni associations such as yours play a vital role in sustaining the life and mission of educational institutions. This 100th anniversary is a testament to the strength and unwavering commitment of the alumni association to continued success of Shortwood Teachers’ College. As you celebrate the past, embrace the present, and chart the future, I encourage you to continue leading by example, upholding the values of excellence, service, and community that define the Shortwood legacy. On behalf of the Opposition, I salute all Shortwood alumni, past and present. May your next century be one of even greater impact. MARK J. GOLDING, MP Leader of the Opposition Continue upholding the values of excellence, service, and community
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