GHS lights up SVG with torch relay

The countdown has begun!

The symbolic lighting of a torch by the two final runners of the historic torch relay last Friday, May 7, kicked off centenary celebrations of the Girls’ High School (GHS) in fine style.{{more}}

But the celebrations did not stop there: the beginning of a lecture series, a mother-daughter pageant and tea, and church services are some of the other events that took place last weekend, with celebrations due to continue throughout the year.

The events of last Friday will for many years be remembered by all who planned, participated in and witnessed its unfolding, as 200 of the school’s present and past students dissected the streets of St. Vincent and the Grenadines from Fancy on the Windward coast, Richmond on the Leeward end and Union Island in the Grenadines to culminate at the portals of the institution which opened its doors in 1911.

The historic event saw law makers, administrators, educators, health care providers, civil servants and entrepreneurs join with the current batch of students to be a part of the event.

Others who were not a part of the official event joined in at various points to offer encouragement to the ‘athletes’ who hit the road as early as 5:00 in the morning.

The final handovers, which saw the school’s youngest student Natalia Trotman meeting and embracing its oldest able past student resident in St. Vincent, Olive Pollard, just outside the school grounds, before entering the compound and lighting the symbolic torch, proved emotional for the women, young and old, who cheered on.

Friday’s ceremony to commemorate the milestone heard songs sung by past and present students, including the National Anthem led by Minister of Culture and past student René Baptiste, and a rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘A Moment Like This’ by Kelsie Haynes and Juanita Hunte-King.

Addresses from Acting Chief Education Officer Lou-Anne Gilchrist, President of the school’s Alumni Association Joye Browne and present Headmistress Andrea Bowman lauded the efforts of all who made the torch run a reality, while anticipating with excitement the events that are scheduled to occur over the next 12 months.

Some of these include sporting activities, galas, a commemorative magazine and the continuation of the lecture series, among other events.

The year-long celebration was officially declared open by Education Minister Girlyn Miguel.

The Minister, in her address, said that the institution has over the years produced women of integrity who have served the country well.

The event is being celebrated under the theme “Where Tradition meets Tomorrow”. (JJ)