Welcome to MHS GRAD CLASS 88 INC Chapter of MHS (JA) Alumni
MHS GRAD CLASS 88 INC.
The MHS Class of 1988 is a US based 501(c) (3) and a Jamaica based alumni organization. Members of both organizations form a core team that drives the goals of the group. MHS GRAD CLASS 88, INC. is organized to support the needs of Manchester High School (Jamaica), it's current and past students. Support may include but is not limited to infrastructure, educational materials, training, and mentorship.
Our Mission/Focus Areas
The MHS Class of ‘88 is excited to help MHS with:
- Mentoring
- Computer Lab Equipment & Expansion
- Gunter Hall Repairs & Expansion
and - Breakfast Program.
- In the past we have also provided scholarships.
Our approach is needs based to ensure we are responding to the priorities of the school. For example, in 2020 we focused on providing students with devices for online learning.
MHS Happenings/ Donations
2018 Reunion Donation
The class of ‘88 did extensive fundraising leading up to our 30th reunion and donated JA $1M to MHS for scholarships, student welfare and computer lab upgrades.
The presentation was made at our reunion banquet in July 2018.
The official contract signing and handover of the funds was done in September 2018.
We are thankful to all donors including our main corporate sponsors Endurii and Tropic Isle Living.
2020 Device Drive
We are happy to report that because generous contributions and willingness to act, we have successfully purchased, tested, packaged and delivered fifty (50) brand new and fully operational Chromebooks to needy students at Manchester High School. On behalf of grateful students, faculty and staff we say thanks to our fellow ‘88 Grad Class, Class ‘78, ‘83 ,’87 and our corporate sponsor Tropic Isle Living.
As MHS Alumni, we are proud that our donors continue to fulfill and live by our school motto, “Sic Luceat Lux”, Let Your Light Shine. The many teaching legends who have passed through the gates of MHS would truly be proud of us, that we have come to live inspired lives. We are honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, as you have made it possible to make a way for parents and children when they believed there was none.
Thanks again to all the alumni and donors for being a champion of education and keeping doors open to opportunity.
30th Reunion Newsletter
September, 2018
The Class of ’88 held its 30th Anniversary Reunion “A tribute to our parents” July 27– 29, 2018 and it was jam packed with efforts in giving back, reuniting, reconnecting, reviving old friendships and showing respect and honor to their parents. The weekend of activities were sponsored by Tropic Isle Living, Dr. Nicola Garcia, Endurii Enterprises Ltd, Hope Greaves-Johnson, Dian Josephs-Reid, Nova Family Dentistry, Vincent Marshall, Jeptha L. Holness, Livon Neil and a host of other generous donors.
The vision of the reunion began with Sophia Manning and Hope Greaves Johnson four years earlier. Through technology and each one reaching out to everyone they knew, with special thanks going to Wendy Birthwright and other volunteers the vision was made a reality.
On Friday July 27, 2018, Hope led a very intense mentorship session with over 70 student
participants. Students were taught the fine arts of creating a personal brand and networking. The speed mentorship section was geared towards personal time with alumni members who have careers in the fields of interest of the students. Friday night was reserved for Fish and Feting by Little Dutchies which is owned by an Alumnus, Debbie Newman. Reconnection, liming and dancing took over the well-respected establishment and fun was had by all.
On Saturday, Perry Crawford and Keith McLean led the alumni in a tribute to the fallen soldiers and teachers. Each one was remembered by name and by a shout of ‘We remember” by those present. It was then time for the Banquet. The Mandeville Hotel was transformed into a place fitting for great celebration of Teachers, Parents and all Alumni. Alumnus, Paul Lawrence, the esteemed MC for the night, set up his Squirrel Rosenberg podcast to capture the moment and interviewed some of those present. Throughout the evening, the audience was informed about the activities and accomplishments of the school under the leadership of Jasford Gabriel (for example, the school is recognized as a STEM institution). Vincent Marshall, the current PTA President and Alumnus from the Class of ’88 spoke of plans to build an Auditorium large enough to accommodate the entire school population. The evening culminated in a donation valued at One Million Jamaican Dollars presented to the school by Jeffrey Reid, Cecil Reid and Nicola Garcia, members of the reunion organizing committee. Mr. Caswell Burton, who was the principal for the duration of the Class of ’88 was present and so too were Mr. and Mrs. Jasford Gabriel, to receive the donation towards the improvement of the Computer Lab and the
Scholarship Bank.
The weekend of activities ended with a Church service and a beach trip to Island Lux
Beach Park in Negril. The Class of ’88 is truly energized and does not plan to stop at this one time donation, but have already put in motion the establishment of
a super alumni group, a solid Mentorship Program, upgrading the Computer Lab and the reestablishment of the Breakfast Program. The group has since sponsored a recent MHS graduate to medical school. Plans are also afoot for a major fundraising effort to expand the Auditorium.
Contact: mhsjaclass1988@gmail.com
News coverage: https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/manchester-high-s-class-of-88-looks-forward_141910
We Salute Those Who Have Gone Before. " We Remember"
Our Fallen Soldiers
