Merl Grove High: a century of impact, a future of promise

As Merl Grove High School commemorates its centenary milestone, stakeholders have noted that it stands as a testament to a century of academic distinction and community impact.

Chronicling its rise from modest beginnings as a preparatory school within the home of founder Nathaniel Speid, a retired elementary schoolteacher, to its current status as a cornerstone of educational excellence in Jamaica, they noted that the school has remained dedicated to nurturing generations of students.

At the launch of its centennial celebrations on Monday, several speakers reflected on the all-girls institution’s illustrious history while outlining ambitious plans for its future.

“We stand on the backs of the stalwarts, whose sterling contributions have played a significant role in what we have achieved over the past 100 years, now standing tall as one of the premier educational institutions in Jamaica,” said Chairman David Hall as he trumpeted the contributions of the school’s alumni to national and global development.

Former government minister Ambassador Aloun Assamba, who is the patron for the 100th anniversary celebrations, fondly recalled her transformative years at the school and emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunities provided for personal growth and development.

Noting that a “school is only as good as the teachers who are in the school”, Assamba shared that she found a home at Merl Grove High School when he moved from St Ann to Kingston at 13 years old.

“When I came to Merl Grove High, I found a home. I found a home with parents, teachers, and students who became good friends. I passed through a number of principals and numerous teachers,” she recalled.

Assamba, the former CEO of the island’s second-largest credit union, COK Sodality, said that her years at the school helped to shape the woman she became. She noted that she later sought to repay this in kind, by serving on its board for two decades before vacating the position after she was elected a member of parliament.

The former Jamaican high commissioner to the United Kingdom encouraged current students to take advantage of the resources provided by the school for their development.

“If you learn nothing else from our celebration of being a hundred years as a school, please learn this: you are getting an opportunity that many, many young ladies would love to get. Do not take it for granted,” she said.

Acting Principal Lorretta Ricketts highlighted the school’s values rooted in its church affiliation as it is owned by the Associated Gospel Assemblies, saying they have been a guiding light over the years.

“That speaks to the fact that everything is rooted in church, in what the word of God says, and so the values, the moral values are what would have kept us,” Ricketts said.

URGED TO CONTRIBUTE

She disclosed that the centennial celebrations will include an expanded Jamaica Day celebration with its more 1,400 students at the end of this month as well as a fish fry fundraiser in April and a grand gala in November. The proceeds from these events will go towards renovating the school’s auditorium, with plans for an additional floor and the installation of electronic gates.

“We’re saying to persons, please please contribute because we want to begin the journey of the renovation. ... I believe if we have a good sponsor, it [could] finish by November,” Ricketts said. “Support Merl Grove. Support the next generation because we can only get better.”

Hall, in the meantime, said the board remains committed to the good governance of the school, stating that it is also working for the improvement of the institution as Merl Grove High embarks on its next century with a renewed commitment to excellence and community support.

sashana.small@gleanerjm.com