GHS New York Alumni celebrates 100th year of alma mater

The members of the New York Chapter of the Girls’ High School (GHS) Alumni Association celebrated the 100th Anniversary of their alma mater in fine style last weekend.{{more}}

On Sunday, April 10, over 250 past students, friends and well wishers of the GHS gathered at the Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, New York, for a grand luncheon and awards ceremony.

Marva Prescod and Joyce Toney, two past students of the GHS, and long standing members of the New York Chapter of the Association, were awarded for their contribution to the Association over the years.

Prescod, a registered nurse and an attorney-at-law, practices primarily as a defense attorney in the Family Court in New York City. She mainly represents juveniles and parents and is the proud mother of two daughters, Tekeya and Nzingha, who are in their junior and freshman year of college respectively. Prescod is a founding member of the NY Chapter of the Alumnae Association.

The second awardee, Dr Joyce Providence Toney, was a professor of History at Hofstra University and more recently, professor of History and Caribbean Studies in the Department of Africana and Puerto Rican Latino Studies at Hunter College, CUNY, where she served as Chair of the Department and as Director of the Women’s Studies Program. Dr Toney lives in Brooklyn with her husband Joel, former Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Former student of the school and Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States of America and the Organization of American States, La Celia Prince, in her keynote address, declared that the GHS is the premier learning institution in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Prince said her alma mater is committed to imparting knowledge and education of the highest standard, while instilling invaluable life stills.

Prince, who entered the GHS in 1988, said in the absence of the encumbrances of the male-female dynamic or stereotypes, the school is able to produce young women who are confident, articulate, outspoken and independent.

“For those who have the opportunity to drink at this golden fountain of knowledge and nuture, their lives are forever changed,” the Ambassador said, adding that the school provides a level playing field for those who may have otherwise been denied the chance to develop their full potential.

In her written message to the NY Alumnae on the occasion of their luncheon, GHS Headmistress Andrea Bowman described the NY Alumnae as providing the “firmest grip” when it comes to holding the hands of the school as the institution faces and surmounts challenges.

“The number of girls that you have sponsored at no small expense; the co and extra curricular activities to which you have contributed, your specific assistance with our steel orchestra; the hundreds of trophies that have filled suitcases over the years; the thousands of graduation sashes; our brand new trophy display cabinet… these forms of hand-holding are indicative of your faithful love and dedication,” Bowman’s message said.

President of the GHS NY chapter is Dr Joyce Toney. Her executive includes Vice President, Narissa Morris; Treasurer, June Joshua; Secretary, May C Davy; Public Relations Officer, Margaret Allen.

The major goals of the association include promoting and participating in the academic and educational growth of the current students of the Girls’ High School; providing financial assistance to needy students attending the GHS; providing information, referrals and advice to new immigrants who are alumnae of the GHS; promoting goodwill and sisterhood among fellow alumnae of the GHS and maintaining an interest in the activities of the GHS.

Master of Ceremonies of last Sunday’s luncheon was Don Bobb. The national anthem of the United States of America and St. Vincent and the Grenadines were sung by past students Earlene Williams-King and Sharon Jones, respectively. The awards were presented by member of the NY Alumnae Association Madge Morris.

The luncheon was followed by dancing and socializing among the attendees.