WESTERN BUREAU:
Mayor Richard Vernon announced that Montego Bay will designate a special Mount Alvernia Day to celebrate the secondary school’s contributions to the development of the Second City as the institution celebrates its centennial.
Vernon made the announcement during the launch of the school’s centennial celebrations on Thursday, where he highlighted the significant impact of the school’s graduates on shaping the professional leadership of the western city.
“I believe the school has contributed to the development of the city of Montego Bay. It has provided many wonderful women of worth, and they have made significant marks in their respective careers of choice,” the mayor said.
“We believe that as a commemoration of their 100 years, it is necessary to recognise them properly by earmarking a particular day that they will have to choose from the schedule that they have ... ,” he added.
Earlier, while addressing the launch, the mayor told stakeholders that he stood ready to declare a Mount Alvernia Day in the city. He said the school would be allowed to hoist its flag alongside the city’s flag and the Jamaican flag in observing the day.
Vernon explained that the process for the designation would involve tabling a resolution at the next monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation, which he chairs. He has recommended that the sitting councillor from the area where the school is located present the resolution for approval.
Marlene Stephenson Dalley, who is the chairperson for the Mount Alvernia Centennial Committee, said the designation would be a “fitting” gesture.
“After 100 years, I believe it is a fitting offer from the municipality, through the mayor, and we appreciate it. We have graduates who have served not just the city of Montego Bay but across the island of Jamaica and globally,” Stephenson Dalley told The Gleaner.
“We are elated, and we will act on the offer that has been made. I think it is a fitting recognition for the school that has been resilient and has been extremely involved with the community,” she added.
Mount Alvernia High was founded in 1925.