KC launches billion-dollar drive for centenary celebrations
Published:Saturday | December 2, 2023 | 12:06 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
Two $10-million contributions from two anonymous Kingston College (KC) old boys have set the institution on its way to an ambitious $1-billion fundraising target by April 2025 to mark its 100th anniversary.
The North Street, Kingston-based institution, now 98 years old, will reach its centenary milestone on April 16, 2025.
Speaking at a media launch at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Thursday, Board Chairman Michael Vaccianna noted that the achievement of 100 years of existence for any individual or institution must be recognised and celebrated.
“In reflecting on our school’s journey thus far, we find ourselves surrounded by solid and significant achievements epitomised by countless success stories in all aspects of high-school activities,” Vaccianna said.
He added that the institution, which started with just 49 students, came from humble beginnings and has risen to become an educational powerhouse.
“The school and most of who have had the privilege of attending have truly lived by our motto, ‘The Brave May Fall But Never Yield’, aptly captured in the theme of the celebrations: ‘100 Years, Never Yielding’,” Vaccianna said.
The school chairman added that while the KC community embarks on the celebratory journey, it will not simply be about revelling in the nostalgia of the past, but also with eyes fixed on a horizon of endless possibilities.
A series of events and initiatives that reflect the diverse talents and achievements of the school will be staged leading up to and throughout the 100th year.
A major legacy project – the construction of a state-of-the-art auditorium with a 5,000-person seating capacity on the main campus by 2025, is the main goal.
The centenary committee is calling on all KC old boys and friends worldwide to support the fundraising effort.
Principal Dave Myrie said the centenary celebration theme captures the spirit of resilience and dedication that has defined KC throughout the decades.
“Kingston College has become synonymous with academic excellence, athletic prowess, character development, and community service,” Myrie said, adding that graduates have gone on to make lasting contributions worldwide.
“Today, we launch efforts for a new century, poised for even greater accomplishments,” Myrie said.
The institution will also embark upon land acquisition for expansion and a carry out a redesign of the main entrance on North Street throughout the celebratory period.
Iconic institution
Marsha Smith, state minister for education, said KC is an iconic institution and should not hesitate to seek donations from its sister schools.
“I’m very happy to hear that two of your old boys have planted substantial seeds into your main legacy project … . I am hopeful that other persons who are joining today’s proceedings will be inspired,” Smith said.
She added that she was combing the audience looking for husbands for her nieces because one of the things that Jamaicans have come to rely on from KC is that they will produce men of worth, integrity, and men who give back to their schools, communities, country, and families.
“Continue to be that shining light in the city that you are,” Smith said.
US Ambassador N. Nickolas Perry, who is a KC old boy, said he was delighted to be in attendance at the launch.
“Almost 100 years old and Kingston College continues to go beyond expectations. I am sure when Bishop Gibson launched out on his idea to build the school, he must have had a lot of faith and done a lot of consultations. But, I don’t think he could have imagined what the result of his dream would mean to this nation and to the thousands of young men that have passed through Kingston College and developed into stalwarts,” Perry said.
He noted that it is a momentous challenge to raise the funds needed to celebrate KC in the way it should be.
Also, he said though he has a steep leaning to KC, rules must be followed and whatever the institution gets from the United States must be in line with established protocols.
“Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate with you and I look forward to working with you towards the actual celebration. As a KC old boy, I promise to make my own contribution to the effort,” Perry said to rousing applause.
Guest speaker Michael Holding, who addressed the launch remotely, called on everyone in the ‘Fortis’ family to look to the next century.
“We are hoping to continue that legacy of giving a helping hand and this early launch of the centenary celebrations is to help us to sensitise the community, home and abroad, as we look to raise funds,” Holding said.
The legendary West Indies fast-bowler urged the immediate Fortis family, the extended Fortis family, corporate Jamaica, international sponsors, and education stakeholders to contribute.
“Just as we were nurtured for our future lives by Kingston College, I am sure we will continue to support our great school so that it will continue to nurture more pillars of our society, who will continue to help build a great nation,” Holding closed.
The centenary committee also launched a new website www.kcfortis100.com and a commemorative logo to mark the occasion.
Persons wishing to contribute may do so via NCB JMD account 331441031 and NCB USD account 334632466.