The East Jamaica Conference administration regrets to announce the passing of Dr. Lunette Wright, Former Education Director of East Jamaica Conference and former Principal of Kingsway Prep. and High School and founder of the Sav-La-Mar Preparatory and High School.

Dr. Wright served in the field of education with distinction for over 40 years and her contribution to the nation in the field of education was recognized last year by the Government of Jamaica.

Dr. Wright died leaving three children, Pastor E.R.E. Wright Jnr, Jillian and Dr. Patrice Wright. She was 96 years old. We invite the church to lift up the family in prayer during this period of loss.

There were shouts of joy, laughter and tears of happiness at Kingsway Preparatory School on Friday (June 20) as students, teachers and parents celebrated the outstanding performances in the 2025 Grade Six Primary Exit Profile (PEP). 

 Principal of the institution located on Osbourne Road in Kingston, Alethia Williams, expressed pride in the students’ achievements, noting a marked improvement over the previous year.  

“Our students did extremely well,” she told JIS News, noting that several of them were placed at top high schools. 

She said that the school’s target of having at least 70 per cent of students score at or above the proficient level, was exceeded.  

In Science, 100 per cent of students scored at or above the proficient level; 97.3 per cent for Social Studies and Language Arts; and 89.2 per cent in Mathematics. 

Dekhoi Clue stands out as the school’s top achiever earning the highest score and securing a place at Campion College.  

“There are some mixed feelings because I kind of wanted [a higher score] but Campion is a very good school, so I’m happy about it,” Dekhoi told JIS News. 

Other high achievers include Brianna Cole, who secured a place at Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, and Marquise Grant, who will attend Wolmer’s Boys.  

“I feel very happy,” Brianna shared. “The first emotion I had was, I was excited. I started screaming and then was crying, but it was of joy.” 

Brianna’s mother, Rose-Marie Davis-Cole, was overwhelmed with emotion.  

“There were long, tedious, sleepless nights but with God’s help, we were able to go through and we are successful,” she said. 

“I was at work [when I heard]. I was running all over the place, banging on doors, screaming!” Mrs. Davis-Cole told JIS News. 

For Marquise, who had hoped to follow in his brother’s footsteps and attend Jamaica College, the placement at Wolmer’s Boys was still met with enthusiasm.  

“I’m very happy,” he said, expressing thanks to his teachers for helping him to “push through”. 

Grade six Language Arts teacher, Neisha Palmer-Murray, who was instrumental in preparing the students, said she was not surprised by their results.  

“It has not come as a surprise for me because I would have charted their performance over the academic year,” she told JIS News.  

She credited internal initiatives like the PEP Camp, an intensive preparation programme held over three nights and four days, for helping to reinforce learning while keeping students motivated.  

“They got their play time but then they know that they will cover all the content which would adequately prepare them for exam,” she pointed out. 

Mathematics teacher, Veronica Gordon, added that the journey was one of partnership and persistence. “It’s been a task, but I see where hard work really pays off,” she said.  

Principal Williams extended appreciation to the staff and parents for their unwavering support.  

“We want to say congratulations to our two PEP teachers – Mrs. Murray, Miss Gordon and we also want to thank our parents. We could not have done it without them,” she said. 

Original article posted here

Pure Water from Spike Industries in collaboration with Kingsway has launched the new Kingsway High School Branded Water! Each student got their first free bottle during a devotional exercise on April 7, 2025.

Operations Manager of Spike Industries, Mr. David Frazer, a past student of the institution, was proud to make the presentation with principal, Mrs. Alethia Williams and Acting Bursar, Mrs. Monique Atkins Cornwall.

This venture will see the institution providing a more cost effective option for students to purchase the 500ml bottle for only $50.00. Drums will also be placed at strategic points on campus to collect and recycle the empty bottles. The proceeds will go back to the school.

Wednesdays will continue to be Water Day, as only water should be consumed on this day. Additionally, there will be "Grab 'n' Go Water Sales Day" where parents can purchase a case of water on entering the school grounds.

We are pleased to share the highlights of the Home and School Association's Teacher’s Day initiative, which took place last week in celebration of our dedicated and hardworking teachers. This year, we aimed to express our gratitude in a meaningful way, and we are happy to report that the effort was a great success.

Through kind collaboration with three corporate sponsors—National Bakery, Benjamin’s, and Grace Kennedy—we were able to secure sponsored items that helped us create thoughtful appreciation packages for our teachers. These tokens were well-received and served as a small but heartfelt reminder of how valued our teachers are.

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for partnering with us, and to the wider school community for their continued support. It is our hope that these gestures will continue to foster a culture of appreciation and motivation among our educators.

Warm regards,
Roshane Johnson
President
Home and School Association

 

Advent Praise International in collaboration with the Kingsway Alumni & Gospel Proclaimers presents ARISE 2025 Musical Celebration, featuring the Hoppers and Gospel Proclaimers on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 at the National Arena. Buy Tickets here

The Kingsway Alumni Association presents Arise 2025, a reunion of the Kingsway High School Alumni and the Gospel Proclaimers, 50 years later. A virtual Kick Off on October 20, 2024, will launch the event scheduled to take place, April 16-22, 2025.

Kingsway has partnered with the STEM Builders Learning Hub to launch a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Club with the Preparatory School division and a Coding and Robotics Club with the High School division. Both clubs are currently registering.

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our colleague and friend, Mrs. Jacinth Williams, who passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at the University Hospital of the West Indies following a brief illness.

 

Jacinth was a member of the Kingsway High and Preparatory School family for fourteen years and was a valued member of our Administrative/Clerical Team. She was not just our co-worker but our good friend and sister-in-Christ. Her positive attitude and desire to be of service to others, even during some of the darkest hours of her life, has touched us all.

 

Each of us not only grieves the passing of a tremendous individual, but also for the lost her family suffers. Please keep her family members in prayers, especially her husband, Stephen, as they go through this difficult time of mourning.

 

We will share with you the details regarding the funeral service as we hear more details from her family.

 

The benefits of Adventist Christian education were extolled at this year’s Education Rally which was held under the theme ‘ Mission First, I will Go’ . The guest speaker was Pastor Melvin Francis, Executive Secretary of East Jamaica Conference (EJC) who titled his sermon, ‘Keeping Christian Education Christian’.  

 

The rally  showcased students and teachers from the five preparatory schools  and one high school owned by the Conference and  featured testimonials from a student, a parent and a principal  that  together gave powerful evidence  that God  keeps His promises as long as we remain faithful and true to his Word.

“Christian education is battling an inferiority complex a midst a popular academic culture,” said Francis at one point during his message.  “We are battling the game of schools,” he added, explaining afterwards that this is the game where teachers, students and parents are more interested in high grades than character building. “They are more interested in passing exams  and getting higher test scores   than giving the values laid out in the Word of God to our young people,” he said.

“Keeping christian education christian is not easy, because there is a devil whose intention it is to bring down christian education,” Francis said.  He posited that children today are desperately lonely because  to a large extent “kids are growing up alone”  and many are being exposed to satanic influences and themes  through the television,  popular  music and videos of the day.  

 

“Today’s young people are tormented by loneliness, controlled by sex, fascinated with Satan and used to suicide. Satanic themes and symbols and darkness run through much of the music that our young people listen to and their videos are filled with them. One young man summed it up this way when he said, “kids in our schools think Satan is a lot more Interesting than God.”

 

Putting on his best preaching voice and standing upon the authority of God’s word, Francis declared without apology that “In times like these, we need a Savior, an anchor and the Bible.” He was quick to assure the congregation  that despite all the challenges that we are confronted with that  we have an anchor in Jesus Christ.

Education Director, Dr. Donna Brown was beaming with excitement when she addressed the church during the rally.  She was more than happy to see the church filled with teachers, students and their parents all working together for the common cause of training their children in the fear of the Lord.

 

“You might be wondering why I am so excited this morning and why I have this passion as I get up to greet you,”  Brown said  but she was quick to disclose the reason for her joy.  “I am having this passion because today at the Washington Gardens SDA Church, I am seeing the manifestation of God’s Holy Words where the three institutions , the home, the school and the church are coming together to save mankind.  What a powerful message”, she added.

Principal of the Kingsway High and Prep. School, Mrs. Alethia Williams who has been working at the school for the past twenty years, shared her personal testimony of the challenge  she faced with her son, D’Lajauni, when it was time to make the decision for him to attend high school.

 

“I was put to the test when my son was in grade six (at Kingsway Prep. School) and my family members began to ask, “Where are you going to be sending the boy for high school ?”, Williams said.   

 

 She disclosed that her son signed up for the top schools in Kingston and when the results came “he was the top boy”  and he was placed in the school of his choice. “Everybody was celebrating, including me,” Williams said.   She went on to share that she took her son to the high school that he passed for and even allowed him to go on the tour of  the new school campus but she decided to put God to the test.

 

“When September morning came, he was wondering why he was not going to the school of his choice that he passed for, Williams disclosed, “but I decided that I was going to be obedient,” she added.  “When my son found out that he was going to come back to the same place at Kingsway, he rebelled. He promised that he was going to fail deliberatly every subject that he was going to be taught at Kingsway High School.  And so the pressure was on from even my family members who were Seventh-day Adventists.  Some said “how can you allow the boy to study so hard and you are not going to send him to the school of his choice ? “

After seeking direction from the Lord, Williams said they enrolled her son at Kingsway HIgh school and the  Lord inspired her to sign him up for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) in first form since he  had  communicated that  he was going to fail everything in school.

 

“He was the first first former to sit CXC at Kingsway High School,” Williams said.  “His grade for that  first  CXC subject  that he was planning to fail was a grade 1  with a straight “A” profile.”  Before he reached fifth form, he had six CXC  subjects and he graduated from Kingsway High School with thirteen subjects,” Williams said with a smile.

 

Mrs. Williams was proud to share that her son who was a student from the Kindergarten Division of  Kingsway Prep. School, is now enrolled at  Northern Caribbean University (NCU)  where he is currently pursuing his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and an Associate Degree in Forensic Science .  

 

 “When we believe in God and claim his blessings, God tells us that he will open to us the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing,” Williams said.

Original story posted by East Jamaica Conference.

It was a proud moment on the grounds of the Kingsway High School  when students, teachers and  administrators of the institution gathered   to launch the school’s 80^th Founders' Day Celebration  under the theme,  ‘The King’s Way is Best.’  

 

Students reflected on past educators through drama and song and were inspired by guest speaker, Pastor Samuel Lewis, an alumnus of the school, whose three children also attended the institution.  A new sign with the five core values of the school was also unveiled as part of the special activities to mark the occasion.

Pastor Lewis  thanked God for the vision and leadership of those who started  Kingsway Prep and High school and mentioned Pastor Walters and Ms. Eva Williams who he recalled with fond memories. “ I thank God for their vision and constant blessings to the school as we would not have become what we are today if it weren't for them.”

 

Lewis shared that life was difficult for him when he was a student but through the help of God and determination, he was able to finish school then move on to West Indies College, now Northern Caribbean University, where he completed his Theology degree.

 

“ I want to give God praises and thanks for this institution, Kingsway, because this is where I started.  I am happy for  what it has done in my life,” he added.

Dr. Meric Walker, board chairman of the Kingsway High School spoke highly of the impact the school has  been making  across the Jamaican landscape  and invited   people in the society to continue to give support to this institution of learning.    

 

“The board is very proud and I am very thankful to God and to the constituency for supporting Kingsway financially and otherwise for over 80 years,”  Walker said  as he reflected on the progress the school has made over the years.. “The foundation is set and this generation and all the stakeholders out there,  if you want to make an input in building the values of Jamaica land we love,  Kingsway is the right way.”

 

The board chairman was  optimistic about the future  and expressed the view that brighter days are ahead for the school.

 

“Congratulations to  Kingsway, the board and the leadership. We are committed and we look for brighter days and better days ahead as we   make disciples of our students.”

Education director for East Jamaica Conference, Dr. Donna Brown acknowledge the historical significance of the school  which continues to make positive impacts on the lives of many after all these years.

 

“This is indeed an historical moment for us today on the grounds of the Kingsway high and Proprietary School. Eighty years of existence  is not ordinary, it is indeed a time of Celebration and praise because indeed God has been faithful to us.”

 

Dr. Brown  acknowledge the impact the school has made in the field of education and noted that “ this noble institution has produced great men and women who today are out there in society contributing to the growth and development of not only Jamaica but the world.”

 

It was obvious that Brown, who has been education director at EJC for thirteen years and  is a former teacher of Kingsway High School, was proud of the strides the institution has made over the years.

 

“I am indeed honored and privileged to be a part of the team today that is continuing the work of those who have come before us and behind us and purposing with one determination to make the Kingsway the best way. May we continue to do all that we can, with the little that we have, to promote Adventist Christian education.”

Principal of Kingsway High and Preparatory School, Alethia Wailliams  was thankful to God for his leading and   acknowledged  the role of her staff and alumnus when she gave her reflections on the wonderful institution that she leads.

 

 “We just want to say thank you to our hard working dedicated staff, our supportive alumnus and  our parents who have been helping us to grow  and build Kingsway,” Williams said  in an interview on the school compound.

 

“During the pandemic Covid-19, many private schools closed their doors but thanks be to God Kingsway is alive and well. As we celebrate 80 years of existence, Let us thank God for the wonderful work he has been doing here at the Kingsway High and Preparatory School,” said Williams.  “Please pray for us as we work hard to mold young minds to be good citizens of this world but also as you prepare their hearts to meet Jesus when he comes.”

At the end of the service, which was held in the Kencot church, the children were taken outside where  a sign with the school’s core values of Love, Justice, Integrity, excellence and discipleship was unveiled by  Mrs. Essence Monroe Douglas and Mrs. Sharon Campbell-Lazurus  who donated  the sign to the school.

Original story posted by East Jamaica Conference.

On May 27, 2021, the Kingsway High School Alumni Association will host a Scholarship Awards and Information Technology Laboratory Rededication Ceremony under the theme: "Breaking Barriers: Becoming Agents of Change". Our speaker will be Pastor Keith Morris, Kingsway Alumnus. The ceremony will be streamed virtually on zoom and on YouTube. See program outline as well as the Youtube link below. 

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOIgvrYUm-c 

Josiah Dicarlo (left) elbows co-chair of the Planning Committee, Keith Nugent, while looking on (from left) are Principal of Kingsway Prep and High School, Alethia Williams; Britney Latouche and Dr Donna Brown, education director, East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Occasion was an event to launch a fund-raising drive for Kingsway schools to build a computer laboratory at the school in St Andrew, held at East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists recently.

Vascular surgeon and globetrotting activist Dr Julius Garvey and South African business leader Dr Makaziwe Mandela will join leading Kingsway alumni and other key leaders to announce a global initiative to raise funds to support Kingsway High School.

Garvey is the son of the iconic Marcus Mosiah Garvey and Mandela is the oldest daughter of the revered Nelson Mandela, former president of the Republic of South Africa.

Born in Jamaica, Garvey attended Wolmer's Boy's, School in Kingston and is passionate about the education of Jamaica's children. “The work of my father continues as we strengthen our resolve to educate our children, and now, more than ever, this is a sacred trust,” Dr Garvey stated.

He is only 9 years old but young Josiah Dicarlo has already aced the Caribbean College entrance exam – and he’s done it twice, starting at age 7 when he became the youngest person ever to take and pass the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (SEC), equivalent to the United States’ Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT).  Although already academically qualified for college, Dicarlo is not yet in high school but this young prodigy and multi-gifted student is active in his crusade to garner support and bring attention to this school in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Kingsway High and Preparatory School is less than a mile from New Kingston and has been developing young minds since its formation back in 1943 when a small group of educators saw the need to establish the institution to educate and empower the growing number of Christian (Seventh-day Adventist) youths.  The school had a strong academic start when every student in its first graduating class passed the Senior Cambridge University Exam which qualified all of the graduates for college.  Today, that small private elementary and high school continues to shape minds like Dicarlo and has produced great leaders and pioneers in a diversity of disciplines, including health care, education, business, communications and, of course, religion.

Former academic dean Dr. Ouida Westney from Howard University, Houston’s dental surgeon Dr. Edison Dewar, Albany realtor Donna Clanton, and New York’s activist and award-winning journalist Rev. Dennis Dillon are all graduates of Kingsway.  Current students like Dicarlo represent Kingsway’s future, and young Josiah Dicarlo is only one on a list of students that are setting new academic trends, according to the school’s principal and chief education officer Alethia Williams.

Dicarlo is in the 6th grade, and science is his favorite subject.  Beyond his academic excellence, Dicarlo plays soccer and chess, and plays the piano for children’s church at his local church in Kingston.  He reports early for church each week as a member of the communications ministry and preaches to his peers.  Dicarlo has memorized the books of the Bible, has command over hundreds of scriptures, and loves to explain the Bible.  “I love explaining the Bible and I love to help people develop their knowledge,” Dicarlo told The Christian Times.

While children his age are watching cartoons and playing video games, Dicarlo is reading his Bible and watching science shows.  He has already spent 5 years at Kingsway Prep, and as he gets ready for his next level of education, he is encouraging everyone who will listen to him to support what is helping to shape him and thousands of others.

The coronavirus has greatly impacted Kingsway, and a lot of children are dropping out due to loss of employment and other challenges that their parents face.  Well over 100 children lack the necessary devices and Wi-Fi for remote learning, and Josiah has joined a crusade with his principal, teachers, and hundreds of alumni to raise support to assist the students and improve the school’s computer lab and technology. 

“This is a difficult time for everyone, and our children face some serious challenges.  Income has dropped, costs are fixed, and yet education must continue,” shared Keith Nugent, the Director of Financial and Operational Audit at Bank of Jamaica and a graduate of Kingsway High School.  Nugent leads the SupportKingswayJamaica.com initiative, which kicked off in late November with a worldwide mediathon.  Supporters can visit SupportKingswayJamaica.com to donate and for additional information.

“Kingsway is a powerful little institution that is imparting knowledge.  Now we must together help build capacity, particularly in this virtual education environment,” Nugent contends.

Vascular surgeon and globetrotting activist Dr. Julius Garvey and South African business leader Dr. Makaziwe Mandela will join leading alumni and other key leaders to announce a global initiative to raise funds to support Kingsway High school in Kingston, Jamaica.

Garvey is the son of the iconic Marcus Mosiah Garvey and Mandela is the oldest daughter of the revered Nelson Mandela, former president of the Republic of South Africa.  Born in Jamaica, Garvey attended Wolmer’s High School in Kingston and is passionate about the education of Jamaica’s children.  “The work of my father continues as we strengthen our resolve to educate our children, and now, more than ever, this is a sacred trust,”  Dr. Garvey explained.

Hundreds of Jamaicans from across the globe are coming together for a common cause to support students and young people attending Kingsway High and Prep School.  The 78-year-old historic institution has been empowering students and transforming lives since its founding in 1943, and over the years has graduated men and women who have been influencers and trailblazers in every facet of human life.

Both Dr. Ouida Westney and her late husband, Dr. Lennox Westney, were members of the first graduating class of 1946.  This class set the tone for the kind of academic success that the school would come to represent.  Not only did all of the students who were selected pass the senior Cambridge University exam, but all of the non-selected students passed as well at Level 1 – the highest level.

Ouida and Lennox practically met at Kingsway (then called New Hope College) and both went on to great success in their respective fields.  Dr. Lennox Westney was a highly respected obstetrician/gynecologist and Dr. Ouida Westney had a dual career – first as a registered nurse and then as an educator.  Now 91 years old, Dr. Ouida holds a Ph.D. in Humanity Development and is retired from Howard University, where she served as a Dean of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor.  She is responsible for many literary works and has co-authored a book on human development and marriage preparation.

“My time at Kingsway was very profitable.  I truly received the fundaments and the basic education I needed, and I must say that my class of students was most excited about learning.”

From its first graduating class to its current batch of students, Kingsway is a pillar of academic excellence, propelled by faith and anchored in a firm commitment to shape young people for service and community.  Two years ago, the school set a new record when 7-year-old Josiah Dicarlo successfully sat the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exam, the qualifying exam that high school seniors sit for entrance into college.   “This is where dreams become reality, where imagination comes to pass,” young Dicarlo expressed in his own words.

Kingsway is a private institution greatly impacted by the coronavirus and most parents are having great difficulties paying their children’s tuition.  The school is also in dire need of technology upgrades to facilitate remote learning.  It is for this reason that hundreds of alumni, teachers, and friends of Kingsway and Kingsway’s alumni are organizing a special fundraising mediathon – scheduled for Sunday, November 22 from 2pm to 9pm – to support the school, students, and the children of Jamaica. 

“Kingsway boldly stands at the very foundation of my career evolution in media, ministry, and community engagement,” Rev. Dennis Dillon contends.  Dillon, who graduated in 1978, is noted by The New York Daily News among the most influential Black leaders in New York City.  A community empowerment strategist, he is publisher of The New York Christian Times and pastor of Rise Church New York.

As a Christian institution, Kingsway High school has produced many influential clergy leaders such as Pastor Daviceto Swaby, pastor of Apple Creek SDA Church in Ontario, Canada, and Dr. Ainsworth Morris, who serves as senior pastor of Kansas Avenue SDA Church in Riverside, California.  

 “Kingsway has been a potent source of knowledge and development for me and so many others, and for that and other reasons, I am supporting this important mediathon,” Morris explained.

Located in the Kencot section of Kingston, only minutes from New Kingston, Kingsway continues to proudly deliver on its founding commitment to both academically and spiritually equip young people.  Houston dentist Dr. Leroy Edison Dewar contends that he went to Kingsway under protest.  He wanted to go to Wolmer’s High School after passing the Common Entrance Exam.  His parents were convinced that the “Kingsway was the best way”, and after five years and the positive influence of teachers, Dewar graduated with the Class of 1965 and pursued a career in dentistry. 

“Join me in keeping Kingsway alive and vibrant in its mission to mold lives … we must support Kingsway and work to ensure that Christian education is alive for generations to come,” Dr. Dewar said.

“Kingsway is a small but powerful school that has helped to shape my career and I am one of countless others,” shared Atlanta-based pharmacist Dr. Joseph Redley, who graduated in 1978 and is the chair of Kingsway Alumni International.

According to Kingsway alumnus Keith Nugent, who is an auditor and director of financial and operational audit at Bank of Jamaica, Kingsway goes the distance in empowering youth and imparting knowledge, and frequently engages its students in acts of kindness.  “This school is small and intimate but is transforming lives in a big way.  This Mediathon is an opportunity for us as alumni who have benefited, as well as people of goodwill, to make a contribution to support our children,” expressed Nugent, who is also the co-chair for this Mediathon initiative.

“It’s a difficult time for everyone.  Income has dropped, costs are fixed, and lots of parents are having real challenges.  Our school is doing everything possible to support our students and to effectuate successful remote learning.  This support is greatly needed, explained Alethia Williams, the school’s principal.

The November 22nd Mediathon event is a clarion call for partners and supporters from around the globe and will be a virtual global reunion of Kingsway’s alum, educators, clergy, and other collaborators.  This event will feature a diversity of talents, children, and celebrity VIP guests, and will broadcast live via Zoom, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

For additional information, visit SupportKingswayJamaica.com or call Dionne Gordon at 856-520-6416.

See the original article by Christian Times.

 

Vascular surgeon and globetrotting activist Dr Julius Garvey and South African business leader Dr Makaziwe Mandela will join alumni of the Kingsway High School in Kingston and other leaders to announce a global initiative to raise funds to support the institution.

Garvey is the son of Jamaican National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey and Mandela is the oldest daughter of the revered Nelson Mandela, former president of the Republic of South Africa.

Born in Jamaica, Garvey attended Wolmer’s Boys' School in Kingston and is passionate about the education of Jamaica’s children.

“The work of my father continues as we strengthen our resolve to educate our children, and now, more than ever, this is a sacred trust,” Garvey explained.

This special virtual press conference and media launch will announce a new website for the support of the school and students, and will announce a special mediathon in view of the tremendous impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the school. M

Many prominent past students of the school based in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean – including retired Howard University academic dean, Dr Ouida Westney; Atlanta pharmacist, Dr Joseph Redley; London singer and radio station manager Paul Lee; Canadian clergyman Dr Daviceto Swaby; and New York activist Rev Dennis Dillon – are among the participants for this historic virtual press announcement.

Teachers and students will also join this effort, including Josiah Dicarlo, the nine-year-old Kingsway Prep student who set a system-wide Caribbean record when at age seven he became the youngest scholar to sit and pass the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Exam that is designed for high school seniors for college entrance.

See the original story by Loop News. 

Confronted with closed schools, fear and concern for Covid-19 coupled with government-issued constraints on assembly, conference administrators, pastors, teachers, students and church leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica hosted its first virtual Service of Thanksgiving and Consecration to God.

Six hundred and eighty-nine (689) students from the church’s 27 high and preparatory schools island-wide participated in the service, which was held on June 27, 2020 under the theme “Navigating the New Normal with Christ.”

Educators and students alike gave thanks to God for His leading in the church’s educational system despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that caused the service to be done virtually through the church’s online church platform, which connected with all of the Union’s five conferences.

“The service was held to express gratitude to God despite the pandemic and invoke His blessings on our students as they matriculate to another level of their education, said Pastor Michael Henry, education director for the church in Jamaica. “We also are grateful for the fact that through technology we were able to successfully complete the academic year and give the students the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in a united way, though virtual.”

The Government of Jamaica ordered schools to be closed on March 13, 2020, after the first case of the coronavirus was identified on March 10. The government reports state that 10 people have died of COVID-19 and 855 known positive cases have been detected as of July 28, 2020.

Since March, schools had to adapt to online classes. However, there was a small percentage of students in some remote areas who could not be reached virtually and so lessons were printed by the schools and delivered by teachers or picked up by the parents.

The government reports state that 10 people have died of COVID-19 and 855 known positive cases have been detected as of July 28, 2020.

Additionally, the church’s eastern region, which host online services each evening, has used the opportunity to do three online classes daily, Monday to Thursday, available to anyone interested. The program caters for a wide cross-section of students covering English, Mathematics, Spanish, Social Studies, Science, a learning-to-read course, and classes for CSEC.

“This online platform gives us the opportunity to make a contribution to the students who are at home and need continuing learning,” said Dr. Donna Brown, education director of the church in East Jamaica. “We use the opportunity to integrate faith and learning, not only to children enrolled in our Adventist Schools, but also to share this learning experience with others.”

 

Benefits of Adventist Christian Education

In his discourse in the afternoon, Pastor Henry highlighted the benefits of Adventist Christian education and used the occasion to highlight its purpose in the plan of salvation.

“Education has to do with the bank of learning, the things we learn, the attitudes and skills and talents that we develop in order for us to meet our daily challenges, to build community and for us to be self-actualized. When we talk about Christian education we are talking about all these things from a Christian perspective, but when we talk about Adventist Christian education, we are talking about all these things not just from a   Christian perspective but with a distinctive Adventist bias.”

Commenting on the service student representative for the St. Ann’s Bay High & Preparatory School in St. Ann, Anthony Andorn said “The environment was greatly welcoming! The feedback I received from the coordinators was encouraging and boosted my overall confidence in public speaking. Only some of the most humble and God-fearing persons could create such a heavenly platform for flourishing Christians to learn and grow.”

“This cannot be separated from the mission of the church,” he said, noting that in Adventist philosophy,” the work of education and redemption are one. One of the purposes of Adventist Christian education is to transmit our Christian heritage from generation to generation,” he added.

In his message, consecration speaker, Dr. Meric Walker, executive secretary for the church in Jamaica, challenged the graduates to be steadfast in the word of God.

“As the new norm threatens with immorality on every side, students, I say to you stand on the word of God, do not vacillate in the pool of popularity but stand for principle and righteousness. Remain true to the values you have been taught at your respective institutions of learning. Once you remain faithful, the Lord who is the principal of the universe, He will exalt you in due time.”

The New School Term

Schools in Jamaica are scheduled to reopen on Sep. 7, 2020 and a different approach is required. The government is recommending a phased approach according to age.

“What we have been planning is a blended approach – a combination of face to face and online instructions – to operate our schools when they reopen. In some cases church buildings will be utilized to provide additional space so that proper social distancing can be practiced,” Henry explained.

The church in Jamaica operates 27 high and preparatory schools with a student population of 4,694 and 355 teachers as of the close of the school year in June. The Adventist schools see a percentage ratio of Adventist to non-Adventists of 46 to 54 respectively.

To learn more about the initiatives and activities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, visit jmunion.org

Registrar for the Independent Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education Youth and Information, Sharon Hunt, gave a “thumbs up” to the Kingsway Prep. & High School, during the school’s annual Founder’s Day Celebration on January 16, 2019.

The special service, held at the Kencot SDA Church, marked the seventy-sixth anniversary of the institution and was focused on the theme “Excellence… Our Hallmark”.

The educator spoke highly of the work being done at the Kingsway High School regarding government students sent by the ministry and noted that she had seen outstanding improvements with the students who attend the school.

“We have seen outstanding results from students who come to this school,” said Hunt. “We have students who come here sometimes with not much to offer and when the school is finished with them, they leave with much to give.”

“I am delighted with the progress and empowered by the seventy-six years of dedication to education in this nation,” Hunt said in an interview after the Founders’ Day celebration service.

The Ministry of Education representative commended the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica for its effort in making Jamaicans literate and numerate and congratulated the Kingsway Prep. & High School for its good service to education in Jamaica.

Just over seven hundred students along with their teachers, school administrators and pastors gathered to give God thanks for leading the school for the past seventy-six years.   

Pastor Noel Frazer, former president of the West Indies Union and who attended the school almost seven decades ago, was guest speaker at the service. The octogenarian recalled clearly the years he attended the school and the name of the principal at the time.

“When I attended the school, the principal was Mr. Percy in years 1951 – 1952. Now I am sitting in a newly refurbished classroom that looks so nice, it makes it so easy for students to learn now because a good environment contributes greatly to learning,” Frazer said.

The former leader of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Jamaica was proud of the impact the school and church had made over the years and commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the role it played in support of Christian education.

“Our pioneers have really done so much that today we can truly boast that God has blessed us with a wonderful system of education. Over the years, my church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has done so much in promoting Christian education. We thank the Lord for the blessing he has given over the years,” added Frazer.

Chairman of Kingsway Prep. & High School and president of the East Jamaica Conference (EJC), Dr. Eric Nathan, was pleased with the ministry of the school and said he hoped the legacy of Kingsway Prep. & High School would continue to impact Jamaica.

President Nathan was happy for the support the school had received in recent times and singled out Elder Desmond Young and the Conference Wide Development (CWD) Team, for their significant contribution to the school in recent times.  

“I am excited at seeing the impact of ownership and must commend Elder Desmond Young and his team for refurbishing the teachers’ lounge and creating the new classrooms,” Nathan said.

Young and members of the CWD Team were recognized and presented with a plaque at the Founder’s Day Celebrations. The school was more than happy for their efforts to increase the number of classrooms for students, their total upgrade and transformation of the Home Economics Lab and the refurbishing of the staff room and staff lounge.

 Dr. Donna Brown, Education Director, EJC, reflected on the many obstacles and challenges that confronted the school over the years but was proud of the achievements of the many students who made an impact not only in Jamaica but across the world.

“Today, there are doctors, there are lawyers, there are teachers, there are nurses, you just name any profession and a Kingsway past student will stand up and say ‘I am in that field’,” Brown said.

The former Kingsway High School teacher was pleased with the physical improvements to the school’s infrastructure in recent times and thanked the CWD Team for making such an impact on the teachers and students of the school. 

“Having been a teacher here myself in the nineties, and coming back today to sit in this staff lounge, I cannot help but say, to God be the Glory,” said Brown with a radiant smile.

“I looked at the classrooms and I saw the great changes, I remembered when it was the old canteen. Today we have five new classrooms and a home economics lab that is second to none,” the Education Director said. 

Principal of Kingsway Prep. & High School, Mrs. Alethia Williams, was grateful for the support of her dedicated team of teachers and support staff and expressed thanks to the Board Chairman, Dr. Eric Nathan, Education Director, Dr. Donna Brown and the members of the school’s alumni both here in Jamaica and abroad.

The Kingsway Prep and High School is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in East Jamaica Conference and is one of the six schools operated by the Conference. 

When Garcia Gordon graduated from Woodford Prep School to attend Kingsway High in in 2014, she had no idea that in five years, she would have walked away with top honors in her graduating class and break the record for the student leaving the school with the most subjects in its 76 year history.

On June 30, 2019 Garcia walked away from the Kingsway High School graduation with top honors coping 8 trophies and six certificates from the school as well as a one hundred thousand dollar scholarship   from Northern Caribbean University (NCU). 

On graduation day, she already had four CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Examination Council) subjects under her belt including, Spanish, French, Principles of Business and Mathematics which she took in fourth form.  The recent CSEC Examinations pushed her subject total to 12 but if the distinction she received in the City and Guild external English examination is included,  that number would actually be thirteen.

Garcia, whose mother is a teacher at the Woodford Preparatory   School not only excelled in academics at Kingsway High School but was also a model student. Her eight trophies included the EJC President’s Role of Honour, 2 - Most Outstanding Prefect, 3 - EJC Youth Ministries Award, 4 - EJC Publishing & Spirit of Prophecy Award for the most Disciplined Final Year Student, 5 - Most Outstanding Performance in Science, 6 – Most Outstanding Performance in Business, 7 - Student Who Exhibits Outstanding Performance in School Life Activities,  8- Most Outstanding Performance in Mathematics.

She also walked away with the coveted plaque reserved for the final year student who displays respect for peers and adults alike.

The top KWHS Student for 2019 is already registered at NCU for the 2019 – 2020 academic year and is set to begin pursuing her dreams of becoming an actuary.  

“I want to pursue actuarial sciences and become a mathematician,” Garcia said with a smile. “Just anything to do with mahs,” Garcia added. “And I want to minor in linguistics because I also love Spanish.”

When asked what was the secret of her success, Garcia responded, “make God first and he will direct your path, persevere and remain focused and you will achieve your goals.”  When asked if she was a book worm or if she considers herself brilliant, Garcia said, “I don’t consider myself brilliant but I just study and ask God to show me what I should study and I keep focused, persevere and work hard.”  

Garcia heads a list of students who did well in the recent CSEC Examinations at  Kingsway High School, the only  Adventist High School in Kingston.

Education Director in EJC  Dr. Donna Brown and School Principal Mrs. Alethia Williams are proud of the achievements of their students and congratulates them for being an inspiration to their peers and to others  who  hold the school in high esteem.  

Below is the list of the top seven passes from Kingsway High School for the 2019 Academic Year.   

Students Name	# of Subjects
Garcia Gordon   - Head Girl	12
Amanda Allen	11
Shevon Williams  - Deputy  Head Boy	10
Daniel Nugent  - Deputy  Head Boy	8
Dana Cousins -  Dept. Head Girl	7
Adrian Gilroy	7
Shantavia  Randall	7

 

Congratulations to Josuah DiCarlo,   a grade 4 student, who was successful in CSEC Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM).

Congratulations also to D’lajauni Williams and Brittney Latouche, two grade 8 students who received 3 and 2 subjects respectively at the CSEC level.

Eyes widened, and hands clapped when the Kingsway High School Principal, Alethia Williams, unveiled a box of ice-cream during a recent visit to the St. Richard's Preparatory School, grade No. 622. The class consisting of approximately 40 students enjoyed the sweet treat which was a part of Kingsway's Kindness and Generosity week celebration that brought a team to encourage and brighten the students who were met with the sad news weeks before, that pit bulls mauled their class teacher.

 "Three or four weeks ago, something happened to your teacher," said Dr. Donna Brown, Education Director of the East Jamaica Conference, who addressed the class and its substitute teacher Mrs. Ushauna Jackson-Walters. "As a nation, not just Kingsway, we felt the pain, because we are one nation. And if someone in our nation is not happy, we are going to sympathize with that person." 

The Kingsway team consisting of seven grade six students, their Principal, Vice Principal, and the Education Director of the East Jamaica Conference were in high spirits. They had the St. Richard's class participating in singing choruses. A short devotional thought and prayer were offered, all in support of the students as they prepared for their Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination in 2020.

The Head Girl for Kingsway, Kaela Nugent, said, "With your teacher in the hospital, we are here to support you and to encourage you in these difficult moments."

"We want to ensure that your mind is at peace so that you can think and focus on your schoolwork, added Mr. Delroy Turgott, Vice Principal, who gave the devotional thought to the class. "When a situation happens to us in this life, we are never left without a word of comfort from the One who knows best how to comfort us."

"Do you know who that one is? Asked Mr. Turgott. "Yes, sir, God!" Came the response from the students. "Yes, Jesus Christ Himself says in Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." 

Mr. Turgott continued, "Every time disappointment comes in our lives, God has a greater plan to work things out." 

With that, the students raised their hands in commitment, that with God's help, they will work hard and make their teacher, who is hospitalized, Mrs. Hunter-Wright, proud of their excellent efforts.

After a St. Richard's student gave the vote of thanks, and when they thought it was all over, Principal Williams asked an unexpected question, "We brought a little treat, can we share our ice-cream with you?" "Yes, miss!" The class responded, and with that, a buzz of excitement, giggles, laughter, and smiles swept over their faces.

While enjoying their treat, the students told how much they loved and missed their teacher Mrs. Hunter-Wright.

"Miss, when I heard what happened to my teacher, I cried," said one student. Another added, "I cried too, Miss. I felt sad when I heard the news about my teacher, and I continue to pray for her."

The students told how they responded in sympathy, with gifts and get-well cards. When asked what more they would want to say, they yelled in a chorus, "We love you, Mrs. Hunter-Wright! Get well soon."

Kingsway team left feeling happy that they were able to bring cheer to the teachers and their fellow PEP candidates at St. Richard's Primary School.