Grammar School celebrations to move up a gear

With less than three months to go before the official celebration of the 100th anniversary of the St.Vincent Grammar School, this country’s premier boys’ secondary school is increasing the tempo with a blitz of celebratory activities.{{more}}

On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, Frank Jones, current Headmaster, teamed up with former Headmaster Lennox John and Teacher Colin Sam to hold a press conference on the activities scheduled for the rest of the year.

Jones disclosed that on July 26, the school will stage a centenary toast at Government House under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne. Past students and teachers, current students and teachers, and friends of the institution are requested to support the event with contributions of EC$100 for singles and EC$150 for couples.

This event will be followed by a career showcase, which will be staged at the school on September 17, 2008. This activity is geared towards sensitising students about different professions that they may wish to pursue.

To commemorate the school’s significant achievement, Interactive Media Limited will publish the

official 100th Anniversary magazine as a full colour, high quality, glossy souvenir on Friday, September 19, 2008.

A grand assembly will be staged on September 21, 2008, to mark the 100th year of the existence of the school. This session will span over four hours and will be executed in four parts. The Governor General will lay a plaque during the first phase. Following this, trees will be planted by Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace, and Headmaster Frank Jones. A procession will then take place through the streets of Kingstown, involving persons of all walks of life affiliated to the school. This will be followed by a thanksgiving service. The evening will also be used as a time for reminiscing.

And on October 22, 2008, the school will organize a boat ride to Bequia. Several activities will be staged on the Northern Grenadine island to keep patrons occupied all day.

The year-long celebration will end with lighting up ceremony and carolling on the school compound in December.

“This is a significant milestone in the lives of Vincentians, one way or the other,” said Jones, who credited the St.Vincent Grammar School with producing professionals in various fields.

He added: “This is indeed a milestone worthy of great celebration.”

Jones, John and Sam made several appeals to the public to support the activities and to provide material to Interactive Media Limited, which they would like to see in the anniversary souvenir magazine.