Member of Parliament for St Michael West Central James Paul (right) presenting outgoing Principal of Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School Beverly Parris with a plaque for her contribution to cultural development in the community.
THE OUTGOING principal of Lawrence T. Gay Memorial School, Beverly Parris, has been honoured for her long lasting contribution to maintaining and facilitating cultural initiatives in the community.
Member of Parliament for St Michael West Central James Paul, presented Parris with a plaque on Monday evening, for her contribution to promoting cultural awareness at the school where has been principal since 2005 and also in its environs.
Delivering remarks, Paul said as the leader of the school, Parris played a critical role in the development of the community. He said while many people who do good in their communities are not recognised for their contribution, Parris is deserving of being acknowledged for her work.
The Member of Parliament said from his interactions with the principal, he has observed that she has always been appreciative of her African heritage, always showing that she is a proud black woman.
“In many ways, she has been able to have the kind of influence that you see in the community, like Spooner’s Hill and its environs. I really would want to thank her very much for the contribution she has made in terms of the development of the people in the community and the parents who have sent their children here. We can see in her work over the years that she has been able to maintain a class of student that this community in itself is very proud of,” Paul said.
Parris, who will be marking her 43rd anniversary in the teaching service on October 1, told the media that she was feeling humbled at being honoured for her work, noting that the gesture by the Member of Parliament and all others involved, was greatly appreciated.
She said during her years in the service, she has been blessed with parents and colleagues who went beyond the call of duty, to ensure that her stint at the school was rewarding and filled with positive relationships which she will forever cherish.
Cognisant of what is happening in society as it relates to crime and violence, the longstanding educator encouraged young people to try to be leaders and not followers.
At the same time, she reminded that there is a need for more young people to join forces with persons who have positive values, noting that in so doing, they would become motivated to aspire to be citizens that the community and the country would be proud of.
“We need to have parents who understand the importance of the old time values like honesty, trustworthiness and responsibility... get back to some of those basic things that our children are now lacking.”
“If the school, the community and the church and all those persons who have our children’s well-being in mind can do this, we can see a positive turnaround. All is not lost, we have some very good young people among us, and once given the right impetus, I am sure that we will do well,” Parris said.
Community practitioner Tyrone Trotman, who contributed his life to developing dance at the community level, also played a pivotal role in honouring Parris, including putting together an entertainment package. (AH)