Portland Retired teachers honoured
Published:Tuesday | August 22, 2017 | 12:00 AMGareth Davis
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
Retired teachers Angela Smith Bryan and Beverly Dinnall, who share a combined period of 89 years of invaluable service to education, were awarded at a special function held at Cliff Hanger restaurant and lounge in Portland.
The two educators, who are best remembered for their dedication and commitment shown to students at the primary and high-school levels in the parish and elsewhere, were the toast of a function put on by a returning resident from the United States, Trevor Tummings.
Bryan, who spent 40 years in the classroom, received a plaque and other gifts, and spoke about her love for the classroom, while taking time out to assist with the growth and development of hundreds of underprivileged students.
"My time spent in the classroom will never be forgotten. There were days when I had to play the role of teacher and parent, while ensuring that discipline is maintained. Yes, there were challenges, but I had only one thing in mind and that was to make a difference in the life of every student that was seated in front of me, by ensuring that they are taught the curriculum, and to ensure that they learn."
Dinnall, whose period in the classroom exceeded that of Bryan's by nine years and seven months (49 years and 7 months), had mixed reactions as it relates to her exiting the school system, noting that it is a profession that she was passionate about.
"Teaching was my pride and joy. I am at my best while in the classroom, as I treated each student as if they were my own child. There were times when I had to secure my own resource material to assist with their learning, and that really motivated me to do more. Children are our future, and any child that is educated will have a golden opportunity to alleviate poverty, irrespective of their social upbringing," said Dinnall.
Tummings, who was all smiles at the function, spoke about the need for other persons across Jamaica to buy into the idea of showing appreciation to teachers and other professionals who have assisted with the rebuilding of the Jamaican society.
"Having learned about these two outstanding educators, I thought it necessary to show my appreciation for their invaluable service. We should not only scatter roses when someone has died but, rather, show thanks for the tremendous work they have put in while they are still alive," he stated.