About Us The Canadian chapter of the Merl Grove High School Alumni Association had been a dream of Immediate Past President, Claudette Cameron-Stewart, since 1994. She tried on a number of occasions to form the association and, through the years, encountered many difficulties.
Instead of giving up, Claudette was determined to conquer the seemingly impossible task of forming a past-student association.
The Chapter was officially launched in 1999 with the help and advice of J. Barbara Martin and with help from a few other founding members.
Instead of giving up, Claudette was determined to conquer the seemingly impossible task of forming a past-student association.
The Chapter was officially launched in 1999 with the help and advice of J. Barbara Martin and with help from a few other founding members.
Hello everyone,
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Merl Grove High School Past Students’ Association, Canadian Chapter’s website!
Each time you visit, we hope that you will learn something new about what is happening within the association.
Our association continues to be one of the more vibrant associations under the umbrella of the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Association (AJAA). There has never been a better time to get more involved with your association than now.
As your Alumni Association President, I have the honor of letting you know just how much this association has accomplished over the years. Recently, we were able to give 9 scholarships and bursaries to some very deserving students and a donation of medical supplies to the school’s Sick Bay.
We continue to work towards maintaining the J. Barbara Martin Scholarship Fund so that we can provide the basic necessities for some well-deserving recipients. Our girls continue to attain high standards of excellence, despite their financial struggles.
There were two new persons added to the Merl Grove wall of fame, the Rev. Dr. Peter Garth (school Chaplin for distinguished Pastoral Service) and Dr. Diana Robertson (JPSA Past President for her work in field of complementary medicine).
Grove's Alumni Association going, despite the small number of past students residing in Canada.
She has fully demonstrated to us, by example, that Merl Grove High School's motto does ring true: "Labor Omnia Vincit - Hard Work Overcomes All Difficulties".
The Merl Grove High School Alumni Association is indeed a growing success. The Jamaican chapter is well established and the North Eastern American Chapter was launched in July 2004. They held their first reunion dinner & dance July 2005...Photos
She has fully demonstrated to us, by example, that Merl Grove High School's motto does ring true: "Labor Omnia Vincit - Hard Work Overcomes All Difficulties".
The Merl Grove High School Alumni Association is indeed a growing success. The Jamaican chapter is well established and the North Eastern American Chapter was launched in July 2004. They held their first reunion dinner & dance July 2005...Photos
Also this year Ms Amy Allen, Principal, will be bringing the curtains down on her career in education. The Canadian Chapter thanks her for all her hard work. We wish her all the joys of retirement.
We would also like to welcome the birth of our baby sister, MGHS PSA, New York Chapter. We congratulate you and wish you all the best as you grow.
During our recent Homecoming in Jamaica, I was reminded why I enjoyed my years at Merl Grove. It was, and still is, the sense of “family” the friendships, the security, the discipline and the love. I think many of you fondly remember the feeling when Mrs. Joyce Taylor chased us around the playing field for not being ready for P.E., Mrs. Martin’s stern “ Hello there young miss”, a gentle word from Mrs. Chang or any other member of staff and the help from some member of the ancillary staff.
We are excited and ready to face 2011 with open arms with the many challenges and changes that may occur. It is my hope that you will reconnect with this association to make 2011 the best year on record. Our association welcomes you right now.
2010 was hard on many of us for a multitude of reasons including, but not limited to, illness, loss of loved ones or the global crisis. We can proudly say that we weathered the storms of 2010. Through the many friendships and experiences we shared with fellow Merl Grovians we were able to navigate some of these tough times. Friendships formed at Merl Grove really can last forever! When we come together, we can do anything.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the members of the Board and to those who continue to spend their time and talent to help this association move forward. You are appreciated more than you know.
Early last year, we began our Mentorship program, and I am encouraging you, my fellow alumni, to become volunteer mentors for the current students.
We would also like to welcome the birth of our baby sister, MGHS PSA, New York Chapter. We congratulate you and wish you all the best as you grow.
During our recent Homecoming in Jamaica, I was reminded why I enjoyed my years at Merl Grove. It was, and still is, the sense of “family” the friendships, the security, the discipline and the love. I think many of you fondly remember the feeling when Mrs. Joyce Taylor chased us around the playing field for not being ready for P.E., Mrs. Martin’s stern “ Hello there young miss”, a gentle word from Mrs. Chang or any other member of staff and the help from some member of the ancillary staff.
We are excited and ready to face 2011 with open arms with the many challenges and changes that may occur. It is my hope that you will reconnect with this association to make 2011 the best year on record. Our association welcomes you right now.
2010 was hard on many of us for a multitude of reasons including, but not limited to, illness, loss of loved ones or the global crisis. We can proudly say that we weathered the storms of 2010. Through the many friendships and experiences we shared with fellow Merl Grovians we were able to navigate some of these tough times. Friendships formed at Merl Grove really can last forever! When we come together, we can do anything.
I would like to offer a special thanks to the members of the Board and to those who continue to spend their time and talent to help this association move forward. You are appreciated more than you know.
Early last year, we began our Mentorship program, and I am encouraging you, my fellow alumni, to become volunteer mentors for the current students.
On Saturday, May 27th, 2000, the Canadian group held its first annual reunion dinner and dance. Those of us who attended can attest to the fact that it was a big success. Our guest speaker was Mrs. J. Barbara Martin, past student, teacher, principal.
It was a treat to watch the past "girls" of Merl Grove finally having the courage to speak boldly (and with respect) to Mrs. Martin. From anecdotes, to thanks, Mrs. Martin was regaled with the lasting impression she had on all our lives.
Instead of allowing her dream to die, Claudette has continued her work to keep the Canadian chapter of Merl
It was a treat to watch the past "girls" of Merl Grove finally having the courage to speak boldly (and with respect) to Mrs. Martin. From anecdotes, to thanks, Mrs. Martin was regaled with the lasting impression she had on all our lives.
Instead of allowing her dream to die, Claudette has continued her work to keep the Canadian chapter of Merl
Offering information about career choices can help put a student on the path to success. Students are desperate for worthy advice and YOU can make a difference by engaging, and sharing your positive career experiences. We need help, your help, for our girls to find meaningful summer jobs with businesses in Jamaica and to become contributing members of society. Volunteering can help us to learn from each other and contribute to the educational, economic, and vitality of our association.
June 11th of this year will be an excellent opportunity for you to help us raise our profile by attending our Annual Fundraiser Reunion Dinner and Dance Gala. There will be great food, entertainment, and lots of friends to connect with - so be sure to mark the date on your calendar and come out and share in this grand celebration.
We will also be having a Bowl-A-Thon, (date to be announced) featuring Merl Grove PSA, Canadian Chapter vs. Calabar Old Boys. What an event this is going to be! We are seeking your support in making this event successful.
Thank you all for making our association a success, and we look forward to your continued support.
Suzette Lawrence-Hermitt
President
June 11th of this year will be an excellent opportunity for you to help us raise our profile by attending our Annual Fundraiser Reunion Dinner and Dance Gala. There will be great food, entertainment, and lots of friends to connect with - so be sure to mark the date on your calendar and come out and share in this grand celebration.
We will also be having a Bowl-A-Thon, (date to be announced) featuring Merl Grove PSA, Canadian Chapter vs. Calabar Old Boys. What an event this is going to be! We are seeking your support in making this event successful.
Thank you all for making our association a success, and we look forward to your continued support.
Suzette Lawrence-Hermitt
President
J. Barbara Martin
Her Memory Lives On!
Her Memory Lives On!
President's Message
Suzette Lawrence-Hermitt
