IHS marks its 96th anniversary

The third secondary school to ever be established in this country is celebrating its 96th year of existence this month. 

The Intermediate High School (IHS), which was founded by John Parmenas Eustace, held its week of anniversary celebrations this past week, under the theme “96 years of overcoming challenges, building resilience and sustaining excellence”. 

“The school over the years has been faced with the challenges of limited space, a permanent home, overcrowding classrooms and a negative stigma and some students fall for the negativity. It is the resolve of the staff to continue to overcome the challenges and with renewed effort to help the students to overcome and strive for excellence. It is the strategy of the staff to engage past students who have faced the challenges, persevered and are achieving success to mentor the students,” principal, Mona Green told SEARCHLIGHT this week. 

Though it is the third secondary school established locally, the IHS is the first co-educational secondary school in the state. 

According to its history, it is often described as the first school to “embrace the concept of being a school not conforming to the elitist standard of that era in St Vincent and the Grenadines”. 

The IHS’ week of celebrations began on Monday, April 25 with a thanksgiving service at the New Testament Church at Wilson Hill. 

Education minister, Curtis King was in attendance and delivered brief remarks, while Reverend Adolf Davis gave the feature address, in which he challenged students to remain focused and work hard at achieving their educational goals. 

Hermina Scott, the school’s oldest living retired principal was also honoured at the service. 

Scott served as principal of the 96-year-old institution from 1996 to 1998 and again from 1999 to 2001. 

Since its establishment in 1926, there have been 14 past principals.

The current student population stands at 327.

The week of activities continued on Wednesday, April 27 with past students visiting the school to deliver pep talks to the current student population. 

A pageant dubbed ‘The Face of IHS’ will be held today, starting at 1:00p.m where eight young ladies will make appearances in an introduction category wearing reimagined school uniforms, as well as in talent, creative wear and interview categories. 

The pageant is open to the public at a cost of $10 and will take place at the school compound at McKies Hill. 

The anniversary celebrations will end with a poster competition among students to reflect the theme, and the unveiling of a ‘Hall of Fame’, featuring photos of all past principals.