New Day School Alumni Association New York Chapter celebrated and recognized its
four high school scholarship recipients virtually for their outstanding academic
achievements on July 11, 2021.
They are Ishmael Michael of Calabar High School, Beresford Williams of Gaynstead
High School, Jawanza Curate of Kingston Technical High School, and Michelia Brown
of Ardenne High School.
Families and friends of the recipients and the alumni members were all invited to attend
the Virtual event. “While the current realities of the pandemic limited our ability to fully
commemorate the accomplishments of our recipients in person, we hope that the
inclusion of guests ...helped us to honor our scholarship recipients while also
acknowledging the families, friends and partners who did so much to support them
during their academic life, especially during the last two years” Evelyn Godden,
President of the NY Chapter stated. Each recipient was acknowledged individually and
recognized by their school’s representative and a family member at the event. The
event also included entertainment.
Keynote speaker Lesleyann Samuel, President of the Union of Jamaican Alumni
Associations (USA) Inc, called on the graduates to always be prepared, because
preparation was the key to success. Her message is one they can carry throughout
life—progression through reflection, “Sankofah”. We all will remember that concept,
beautifully illustrated by examples like Michael Jordan and her own life story of hard
work, teamwork, being bold and giving back to those who have helped along the way.
We appreciated, so much, her praise for the hard work and dedication of our members
in taking on the task of not only putting on this recognition event but also of awarding
these scholarships five years ago.
Along with Lesleyann Samuel, there were also three incredible guest speakers. Michael
Howard, Chief Executive Officer of VMBS Money Transfer Services Limited, and a past
student of New Day Primary School, who urged the graduates to be focused. He said
it was important for them to have the four ‘Ps’, which are purpose, preparation,
persistence and pace, and disclosed that those four Ps drove him to succeed.
Garfield McDonald, Principal New Day Primary School shared his gratitude for the
contributions of the NY based Alumni Association over the years. Nadine Malloy,
Principal of Adrenne High School also congratulated the recipients on their
achievements and stated that she looked forward to their impact on life in Jamaica and
as a global citizen.
Special thanks to Mistress of Ceremony Sharon Gordon, Alpha Tri State Alumnae
Associatiom alum, school representatives, Sharon Wilson, President of Merl Grove High
School Past Students Association New York Chapter Inc and Clair Menezes – Forbes,
Immediate Past President, Alpha Tri State Alumnae Association (UJAA members) for
their behind the scenes work and to Barbara Gayle, the Gleaner reporter who covered
the graduation ceremony.
The Executive Board and members felt a tremendous sense of pride and fulfillment and
were further encouraged to continue NDSAA’s mission to assist New Day School and
its Students. We wish the graduates of 2021 continued success!
Below is the link to the Gleaner article.
