History
OUR HISTORY
Thirty years ago, graduation day at Holy Childhood High School (HCHS) signified a very poignant moment in history for many of us. The friendships that were formed over the past 5 years appeared to be coming to an abrupt halt as we all faced the reality of possibly never seeing each other again. Some of us went on to 6th form at HCHS, some immediately joined the working world and others eventually migrated to other countries to attend universities, build careers, families, and new friends.
Strangely enough, many of us from the class of 1979 never severed the ties of our friendship. We kept in contact through informal re-unions in Jamaica and in the U.S. (Georgia and Florida). We continued to support and encourage each other through family losses and other significant events in our lives. Throughout this time there was always a keen sense that we needed to “reconnect with a purpose”. This nagging feeling was re-ignited yet again in 2008.
On August 20th 2008, Lorine Benton (a.k.a. Twinnie 2) started the buzz again: “Anyone knows of any plans underway for our 30th reunion next year?” This time the buzz gained momentum, which led to solid planning activities. We all quickly agreed that Jamaica would be the ideal location for our 30th reunion. We then collaborated with both the school’s administrative staff and the HCHS alumni association and determined that there is an immediate need to refurbish the school’s swimming pool. Although the HCHS student body as well as external students are currently using the pool, it is in dire need of repairs. These repairs include building a spectator stand, renovating the bathrooms & changing rooms and essentially upgrading the pool to meet international standards. The estimated cost for the renovation is approximately JMD$3M (U$40K). The class of 1979 was the first group of students to use the pool after it was built in 1974. It was safe to say that we indeed found our “purpose”.
Subsequently, HCHS CLASS OF 79 REUNION, LLC was officially established on December 8, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
VISION: To foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Holy Childhood High School staff, faculty and students; the Class of 1979; and friends of HCHS.
MISSION: To cultivate the virtues of practical judgment, moral integrity and compassionate service while raising awareness and providing support for the needs of Holy Childhood High School located in Kingston, Jamaica West Indies.
The members of this organization include:
Lorine Mitchell Benton – President
Marie Moore Eubanks – Vice President
Nigel Pennycooke - Treasurer
Karen DesGouttes – Marketing Chair
Lorna Mitchell Webster – Communications Chair
Rosie Matthews Shaw – Fundraising Chair
Cecile Strudwick Green – Events Chair (JA)
Patrice Major - Public Relations (DC/Northern VA)
Andrea Francis – Public Relations (South Florida)
Andrea Shervington – Public Relations (Central Florida)
Barbara Bowes Pennycooke – Public Relations (JA)
