Past GHS headmistress honoured

A past headmistress of the Girls’ High School (GHS) was honoured at a recent lecture in the series held to celebrate the school’s upcoming 100th anniversary.{{more}}

Jeanne Horne, who served as headmistress from 1993 – 97, received a plaque and large bouquet of flowers at the ninth lecture in the GHS centenary series, held last Thursday, January 6.

Horne, who is described by her colleagues and former students as “possessed of quiet confidence and unflappable dignity”, was delighted to receive the recognition for her contributions to the GHS.

“I had a great relationship with my students, and being their mentor meant a lot to me,” she said.

The mother of three is a GHS alumna – as was her mother Eileen Williams.

She added: “Being a product of the GHS, I am very proud of our accomplishments.”

Horne is known for her promotion of music and culture during her time at the school. As an accomplished pianist and conductor/arranger of the New Kingstown Chorale, she spearheaded the formation of the school orchestra; and under her direction, the school’s steel orchestra embarked on a performance tour of Canada.

In 1999, Horne was awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). She attended the University College of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica, where she gained a Bachelor’s degree in Latin, French and Spanish.

She later returned to the institution to read for a Diploma in Education, and did short courses in French at institutions in France and Martinique.

Apart from teaching at the GHS, Horne has taught at the St. Joseph’s Convent in St Lucia, the Ursuline Convent in Barbados, and the Prospect Secondary School for Girls in Bermuda.

Breanna Antoine, a third form student at the GHS, was also presented with an achievement award.

Breanna entered the school in 2007 after placing 36th in the Common Entrance Examination. She has received awards for excellence in academic performance, the Arts and Music.

She is a member of the school’s No. 11 Girl Guides’ Company, and is currently working on the Chief Commissioner’s Award – the highest award that a Girl Guide can achieve.

Theresa Daniel, who was the host at the lecture, said: “Breanna clearly epitomises the spirit of the true GHS student, and we know that she is capable of continuing along her path of success.” (JV)