Retired St Roses headteacher honoured after 24 years of service

The old saying “give me my flowers while I’m still alive” came to life as heart-felt tributes with a few tears filled the Parc Rayne Inn on Thursday, as Paula Hamilton, recently retired principal of the St. Roses High School, was honoured after some 24 years of service.
A University of Guyana graduate with a Science degree in Biology/Chemistry, the retired headteacher is said to have continued to push herself by furthering her studies in several aspects, including acquiring a Master’s Degree in 2012, further boosting her abilities to take on the position as headmistress, which she attained in 2014 and served with distinction.

Several past students, the current Principal (ag) Rayon Tobin, Board of Governors’ (BoG) members (past and present), teachers, Education Ministry CEO Marcel Hutson and officials, USA and Canada Alumni Association members via Zoom, family members and friends were all in attendance at this simple yet memorable tribute and dinner event.
Hamilton’s departure, and the legacy she has left, was described by the BoG as a “tough act to follow”, having excelled in ensuring that the school’s matriculation rate ensured that all students graduated with passes in both Mathematics and English, along with at least three other subjects at minimum on an annual basis at all external examinations.
She attained the 100 per cent matriculation rate almost every year, and never fell below 98 percent, with the exception of one occasion during her tenure.
This noteworthy achievement of having all graduating students achieve at least five subjects was further topped by notable top performers both in Guyana and the Caribbean at external examinations emanating from St Rose’s High School also.
To this end, it was noted that this should be the focus of all principals at high schools within the education system in Guyana, as it would ensure that every child has the chance to succeed in life after leaving any high school here in Guyana.
Additionally, several beautiful cultural items honoured the retired principal, including 2008 graduate and charismatic singer Jackie Jaxx.
Alumni Associations of the USA and Canada which were in attendance via Zoom were noted as key role players in helping to organise the event.
The programme was chaired by well-known cultural and broadcast personality Mr. Russel Lancaster, himself a St Rose’s Alumnus.