Meadowbrook past students on ‘Road to 70’

THE Meadowbrook High School Past Students’ Association (MHSPSA) has officially launched its ‘Road to 70’ campaign — a two-year initiative aimed at reconnecting alumni, strengthening school pride, and mobilising support for the institution as it approaches its 70th anniversary in 2028. The campaign, themed ‘Legacy. Loyalty. Limitless’, was launched by MHSPSA President Phillip Clarke during the association’s 68th Anniversary Homecoming Dinner and Awards Ceremony on October 10, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston. The event brought together past and present students, teachers, administrators and friends of Meadowbrook to celebrate the school’s legacy while looking ahead to the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany its approaching milestone. Under the Road to 70 initiative, MHSPSA will pursue a series of alumni engagement, fund-raising and community- building activities between 2026 and 2028, culminating in a landmark 70th anniversary celebration. The campaign is intended to move alumni engagement beyond periodic reunions and celebrations towards sustained involvement in the development of the school and its students. Its objectives include reconnecting at least 2,000 alumni, rebuilding the school’s profile, generating funds for scholarships and infrastructure, and strengthening the association’s alumni network locally and overseas. The campaign will feature fundraising initiatives, mentorship opportunities, alumni networking activities, digital storytelling, and corporate sponsorship efforts, with the aim of translating school pride into tangible benefits for Meadowbrook High. Among the initiatives already under way is a mentorship programme connecting alumni with current students. The programme attracted 73 responses in its first week, signalling interest among past students in sharing their professional experience and helping to guide the next generation. The Road to 70 campaign will progress through three phases: Awareness and reconnection in 2026, prestige and positioning in 2027, and legacy and impact in 2028. The final phase is expected to culminate in the school’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Addressing Saturday’s dinner and awards, Clarke challenged past students to consider not only the institution’s achievements over the years, but also the legacy they could collectively create for future generations. “I don’t want us to arrive at 2028 simply saying, ‘Look how far we have come.’ I want us to arrive at 2028 saying, ‘Look at what we have built,’” said Clarke. He is supported by a newly formed executive comprising 1st Vice-President Audley Weir, 2nd Vice-President Kimberley Hibbert, 3rd Vice- President Ceyleena Green, Secretary Althea Moore, Assistant Secretary Sharo-Ann Chisholm, Treasurer Novelette Mattis, Assistant Treasurer Nigel Ferguson, and Public Relations Officer Donnae Royal. Special advisers to the executive are Christopher Townsend, Professor Minerva Thame, Andrew Pairman, and Donovan Thomas. Speaking at the homecoming dinner, guest speaker, former Meadowbrook head boy and CEO of Intelligent Multimedia Limited Andrew Pairman reflected on Meadowbrook’s transformative influence on his life and the importance of gratitude, leadership, and service. He further challenged the Meadowbrook alumni to give back, inspire future generations and build a legacy of influence. Meanwhile, the homecoming dinner recognised outstanding alumni whose achievements and service reflect the values of the Meadowbrook community. Dr Simone Badal received the Award for Excellence in Academia, while Ayana Duhaney was recognised for Excellence in Sports; Antoinette Palmer Davis received the Award for Excellence in Business and Innovation, and Colette Roberts Risden was honoured for Excellence in Community and Social Service. Matthew Dawson received the STAR Award for his selfless commitment and dedication to Meadowbrook’s table tennis programme. Past and present teachers were also recognised for their sterling contributions and dedication to student development. A posthumous award was presented in memory of Michael Collins, former banker and public relations officer of the MHSPSA, in recognition of his contributions to the MHSPSA and to student development.