Dinthill honours 300
by Rasbert Turner/Gleaner Writer · The GleanerCheers and jubilation filled Dinthill Technical High School in St Catherine last Thursday as 300 students were honoured for their academic achievements.
The day’s activities, organised by the Dinthill Technical Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in collaboration with the school’s administration, saw students who achieved 65 per cent and over in Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate-level and other examinations being awarded.
“Three years ago, there were 160 students being awarded. Last year, 204, and now there are 300. This represents a clear indication of academic growth and reward for effort,” said Principal Anthony Garwood.
“It is showing that 20 per cent of the school’s population has done well,” Garwood added.
Amoy Levers, president of the PTA, said it was a gesture of encouragement.
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“We (the PTA) acknowledged the efforts of the students, so we decided to award them with tokens of appreciation. We must invest and encourage them in their endeavours,” Levers said.
Guest speaker Dr Kemar Douglas implored parents to support their children unconditionally.
“The children must be supported to become farmers, mechanics, engineers, teachers, doctors and whatever they are adept at in the subject area,” Douglas said.
“Do not pressure your children with negative arguments. Whatever they want to become, please encourage them to make the best of their chosen career path through dedicated work and study, as education is king.”
Douglas, a chaplain of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, implored the awardees to always respect their self-worth and avoid criminal pursuits such as scamming.
It was revealed that, while previously students whose averages were below 65 per cent were not considered, this year 83 such students were added.
“We believe in the school and our students and in today’s awards there are a number of sponsored students who matriculated to be awarded and so we are very please and will continue to support,” said Joseph Small, president of the Dinthill Technical Past Students’ Association.
The culmination of the function saw five students – Rasheed Chambers, Aliyah Snape, Ajoye Bennett, Anastacia Chambers, Dejonalle Roberts and Joel Amos – gaining the highest points to be on the honour role.
The theme was ‘Celebrating Excellence: Inspiring Greatness’.