School groups celebrating 50 years

The classes accepted into the Boys’ Grammar School in 1954 and 1955 are this week celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their entry into that institution with a series of activities.

The reunion week started with an impressive turn out of about 20 members of those classes to a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Calliaqua on Sunday, July 3. {{more}}Decked out in their school uniforms, the young “old boys,” now in their early sixties, looked smart and sounded robust as they sang “Lord behold us with thy blessings,” which was the school song in their day.

Speaking on behalf of the classes, popular Searchlight columnist Sebastian “Bassy” Alexander wistfully said, “when we were young men, we spent a lot of energy competing to become doctors, lawyers and surveyors, but now that it is all over, we realize that there is something greater than all of that, love and compassion for each other.”

The sermon was preached by fellow classmate, Anglican priest, Archdeacon Dr. Sylvanus Regisford, who said he was happy that he could say today that as a group of boys to whom much was given and expected, they did not disappoint.

Also in attendance were the boys’ former teachers, Governor-General’s Deputy Monica Dacon who taught Art, Leroy Mulraine, English and Latin, Patrick Prescod, Music and Cedric Harold, Science.

Governor-General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who was also present, was their prefect. Hilton Browne, present Headmaster of the School showed his support with his presence.

Meanwhile, the graduating class of 1955 of the Girls’ High School (GHS) is also celebrating their anniversary.

Six of the 40 members of that class turned out to the GHS prize giving and graduation ceremony held on June 28, at the St. George’s Cathedral.