Berbice High School to mark 100th anniversary in grandeur

The Berbice High School will be celebrating its centenary in grand fashion on September 5, 2016 under the theme, “Seizing the opportunity to train and build a cohesive society.”
Planning Committee Chairman, Dr Grantley Walrond and Treasurer Roxanne Thomas- Alleyne, in a press conference on Tuesday, outlined a series of commemorative activities, which began in September 2015, in observance of the school’s 100th Anniversary.
Dr Walrond disclosed that there were five objectives the School’s Planning Committee hoped to achieve at the end of the year-long observance: raising the profile of the School in the community and the country at large while contributing to the enhancing of facilities and the learning environment; highlighting its impact as reflected in the notable achievements of the current students and alumni at home and abroad; encouraging current and future students to attain greater achievements; facilitating fellowship among alumni, current students and staff while creating an opportunity to mentor the young and contributing to the national dialogue on social cohesion, the lack of which continues to stymie the growth and development of the country.

The Chairman cited among the list of celebratory events: general and class reunions, a day of international sports, a major cultural extravaganza and fair with exhibition of art from various contributors, a career fair including major employers and distinguished alumni, visits and sponsored tours to places of interest, and the centenary day programme on September 5.
He also pointed out that the organising committee, in collaboration with the Education Ministry, has instituted an essay competition for Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), with secondary school students writing on different aspects of “Social Cohesion”.
These essays will then be evaluated by the alumni and social cohesion specialists, and the top three essays from each of the lower, middle and upper schools will be identified and published, with the first-place winner being awarded US$1000, second, US$750 or a laptop and third, US$500 or a digital device.
At the big gala to conclude the celebrations, persons who have distinguished themselves by their contributions in various areas including politics, entrepreneurship, humanities, science and technology will be recognised. A significant feature, according to Dr Walrond, will be the “Lifetime Achievement Award”.
“Centenary Day will see a dignified programme with His Excellency, President David Granger delivering the feature address in a ceremony befitting the occasion.”
At the press conference, it was pointed out that one of the major focuses of the centenary observances was seeing the school and its population benefit from increasing opportunities and improved facilities through the fund-raising and direct contributions of alumni. It was added that at least 10 permanent scholarships would be established and monies would be provided to equip and upgrade all the laboratories. Further, it is expected that the partnership with the Government will see a much-needed facelift for the School’s compound and some of its classrooms.