The Social Night on Thursday May 3rd was really enjoyable. There were parents, teachers, present students, old boys and well wishers. They played games, ate and danced to the music all night. It was a time for everyone to get to know each other, laugh and have fun.
On Friday morning, the Grand assembly was unbelievable. The old boys really turned out in large numbers in their school uniform. Some came in with their kids and you could not tell the difference. The M.C was former Minister Henry George and the feature speaker was Dr. Thomson Fontaine. They did a full assembly including singing the National anthem and reciting the National pledge. It was really a Kodak moment. Right after the assembly, was the Exhibition and there portrayed the talents of the students, teachers, old boys and parents. That comprised of Woodwork, Sewing, Electricity, Information Technology, Arts & Craft, Poetry, Chemistry, Physics and many more. On Friday night at the Dominica Club, the Impromtu Band started off and then the Swinging Stars took over. We all had a great time. That surely brought back the good old days.
On Saturday night, we ended with the dinner at the Garraway Hotel. The ambiance was quite conducive to such a memorable occasion. The guest speaker was Dr. Colin McIntyre, an old boy and the Present Minister of Agriculture. He was excellent and he reminded all that he was there as an old boy of SMA and not as a minister. Phase 5 provided us with the music and they were great. We all congratulated SMA on its Diamond Jubilee and ended with the school song. It was too great a moment to let go. We all longed for the activities to commence but it has come to an end.
We will continue the work of acquiring contributions towards the renovation of the roof. We have collected thousands but we won't know if we've reached our goal until all bills are paid and all items are sold. We consider the entire year our 75th anniversary and will keep up our efforts at the St. Mary's Academy for many more years. Thanks to all who participated or supported in one way or the other. St. Mary's Academy 75th Anniversary was indeed a success.
By Thomson Fontaine
Over the years, hundreds of Dominica’s best and brightest have passed through the hallowed halls of the St. Mary’s Academy (SMA). (Read more)