The Alleyne School in St Andrew celebrated its 226th anniversary yesterday with a Founders Day service in the school’s auditorium. The school, built in 1785, is one of the longest serving secondary institutions in the island.
Giving the feature address, titled Charting A Path To Success, was Pentecostal preacher and past student Morris Lee.
He told those gathered, who included past and present students, teachers and specially invited guests, that to him Alleyne was more than just a school; that it was as well a foundation for the nurturing of adult life.
“This institution is a place where lives are fashioned, where knowledge is imparted, where visions are established and destiny is generated. It is a place where negativity is not contemplated, but sustainability is highlighted,” he said.
Referring to today’s definition of success “by the size of our house, the calibre of the job, the prestige of our status in society and the accumulation of wealth”, Lee warned that achievement without God was a recipe for disaster.
“You may run after success; but when God is with you, success runs after you,” the minister declared.
Comparing his school days with the present, Lee reminded students of the endless opportunities they have to assist in realising their goals.
“In today’s world you have all the tools at your disposal to strive to success. In my day, cellphones were unheard of and blackberries were fruit. Internet was non-existent, aids were educational material and ‘the virus’ was the flu.
Lee cautioned students to beware of at least seven types of people they would encounter on their journey through life.
“Contaminants: they offer the easy way out; want you to live the bottom-of-the-barrel lifestyle that they subscribe to. Avoid them at all costs.
“Consumers: they are designed to drain you.
“Crushers: they are designed to crush . . . . Crushing releases creativity. A fall creates an environment to get up.
“Critics: designed to take you to the next level. Never be above criticism.
“Constituents: they share your dreams; but have hidden agendas.
“Companions: they help you build and share your vision, but they are there for a season.
“Confidants: your inner circle celebrate your success; not jealous of your accomplishments.”
After Lee’s address, two musical tributes were done by teachers Kevin Moore (trumpet) and Garry Goodridge (saxophone).
The service climaxed with awards to two former outstanding students who reached the pinnacle of their chosen careers: Grace Anita Bourne-Annfossy for her contribution to nursing and Canon Jimmy Springer for his to religion. (CH)
