GIHANA’S OVERVIEW

In August 2005 on a lovely Saturday evening, alumni from Green Island Junior/Secondary and High School met at Marcia’s Restaurant in South Florida for an evening of dining, dancing and “catching-up” with classmates, many of whom we haven’t seen in over 30 years.

This event came out of many months of phone calling and e-mailing by a few very persistent alumni of the class of ’79, ’80 and ’81. After the night’s event, the activities continued the following day with a picnic in a beautiful Florida park. The Steering Committee was named for the formation of the Green Island High School Alumni of North America Inc.

Since that Saturday, we held two major functions; September 2006 in New York and August 2007 in Florida. These functions resulted in the election of officers, the adaptation of bylaws, registration as a non-profit business, and a functioning Board of Directors. This organization started with high energy, passion and zeal. Members were willing to go the distance; we were committed and dedicated in our conviction that we need to give back to Green Island High. A place where for many of us, our present and future are a mirrored reflection of the many qualities we cultivated, the lessons learnt and disciplines that were taught and or meted out to us during our years at Green Island. In late August 2007, at our Annual Fundraising Banquet in Florida, Dr. Simon Clark took us back to the days when we had devotion on the front court of the school.

A time when visitors to the island and residents would stop, appalled at our pride and beauty. Every boy and girl were dressed in clean crisp uniform, our school colors proudly displayed on the shoulders of each boy, echoing pride that was unheard of even in the military force. This was our school, we were proud, we were family and a community. Like Mohammad Ali, we were the greatest. As Dr. Clark reminded us, “we were second to none”. In this, the start of a new year, let us make a renewed commitment, to rededicate ourselves to giving back to our roots. Let us give back to Green Island High, not only in our attendance at the annual functions, but in support of the many causes at the school. Let us sponsor a child in need or adopt a classroom. Let us pay our membership dues and be a part of the alumni association. Let us give the current students something to live up to. Let us show them the family that existed at Green Island while we were there. We will embrace them as part of our family and include them in our existence. We will applaud their achievements and share in their disappointments. Let us do our part, in giving back to Green Island High.

Caribana Activites

Committee members are also scouting Hotels in the area that will be able to provide affordable accommodation to host the out of towners.

We are appealing to all past student of Green Island High, living in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa or wherever, to make every effort to attend.

We are also making special request for alumni in Jamaica to join us. The event is six months away, so start making plans right now.

A GENEROUS HEART -
Salim Mohammad

At the Annual Prize Giving ceremony at Green Island High in 2006, Salim Mohammad – aka “Rusher” an alumni, and a member of GIHANA gave the top prize to a student for outstanding Achievement in Academics. In December 2007, Salim did it again, awarding a second laptop computer to another student for outstanding achievement in technology.

We applaud Salim for his generosity, and for his dedication to helping others in achieving higher learning. Salim’s only motive for doing this is to give back to the place that he strongly believe is responsible for so much of the principles and discipline by which he lives his life. Let us all commend Salim Mohammad for his dedication to Green Island High, but most of all, let us salute a generous heart.

School Feeding Program
Let me use this medium to wish all the members of GIHANA, prosperity for 2008. The Green Island High School continues to be grateful for the support of the association for the varying activities of the school. We are especially grateful for the donation of US $500 in the latter part of 2007 to assist with the welfare/nutritional needs of the students. The funds were disbursed to the Guidance Department which has responsibility for the welfare programs of the school.

We look forward to the continued support of the Association, as we work together to improve the lives of the students at Green Island High.

By Wayne Woolery
Vice- Principal

Plans are in place to convert the school library into an e-learning center. This center will not only carry books, but will be equipped with visual media interaction as well. Our help and assistance is needed to have this centre furnished with reference books and encyclopedias, as most of the present inventory is outdated. We are encouraging all alumni of Green Island High to help GIHANA as we take on the task of not only outfitting the library, but as we aid in advancing learning for many.

Athletics Sports Jackets

This is the time of the year for the National School Championship. This event takes place annually at the National Arena in Kingston, and includes students of High and Secondary schools from all over the country competing for top honors in sports. This year, The Green Island High Athletic Team will be properly outfitted with sports jackets through the generosity of Mr. Sydney Gooden, at a cost of $450.00. Mr. Gooden, an alumni and former Teacher has always being a supporter of sports in education and more so a dedicated supporter of his Alma Mater.

Sydney Gooden

Book Fair

Green Island High will be hosting a Book Fair and Display Competition on February 20. Although all the details of the event was not made available to GIHANA, the Reading Department has humbly asked for our help to offset some of the cost they will incur participating in this event. Miss Yvonne Hopwood, a former Head Girl has made a very gracious donation of $200.00 towards this project.

Yvonne Hopwood

At the Annual Prize Giving held before the Christmas break, 10th Grade student Royan Woolcock (transfered student from Godfrey Steward High) with 91% in his class walked away with the most coveted prize, a Laptop Computer, donated by Mr. Salim Mohammad. Royan was honored for his Outstanding Achievement in Technology.

Royan Woolcock Receving the laptop