Clarendon College Honours 12 retirees

'Good-bye tension, hello pension' is a happy tune that 12 retirees from the Clarendon College school family are now singing.

A small and intimate pre-Valentine's Day Retirement Luncheon was held last Friday in appreciation of those who gave their time and effort while working selflessly in playing their part in making Clarendon College the institution it is today.

These 12 individuals - six from the academic, two from the administrative and four from the ancillary staff - all bought into the dream of the founding principal, Rev Lester Davy, of having a 'light on a hill in Chapelton whose flame shall never be put out'.

Their time spent working at Clarendon College ranged between seven and 41 years, all combined to make up a whopping 280 years of stellar service to the now 73-year-old educational institution.

Principal David Wilson congratulated the retirees on a job well done. "This is a milestone worth celebrating, and we celebrate with you because you are especially loved for your continued efforts at improving the lives you touched while building excellent relationships in the process."

Guest speaker, the vivacious Gail Hudson, told the retirees that being able to retire is an honour and a privilege as many persons either get fired or expire before they retire. She said: "Retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living. You should retire to have fun because it's your time now, you have nothing to lose." The St Josephs Hospital CEO further encouraged the honorees to keep active, eat properly and always be ready and willing to volunteer their time and expertise as the world needs more givers. "Making a choice to give is leaving the world better than you found it," she remarked.

Among those who paid homage to the retirees was president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, Doran Dixon. He advised them not to take their longevity for granted but to recognise that they have helped to create and build a significant legacy. "Write down your stories" he told them. "I know many of you will have very interesting stories to tell. These stories will help to motivate the young people coming behind you. Your influence will last through generations and into eternity, and it would have made you feel good to know that you have made an invaluable contribution to mankind."

The retirees were presented with citations that best summed up their personalities and time spent at Clarendon College. They were also delighted to receive their personalised plaques and other memorabilia to remind them of their lifetime contributions to the school.

rural@gleanerjm.com