STAY WELL & SPARKLE – Golden Girls Celebrate 8 to 88

What was it that made my heart feel so ‘strangely warmed’ whenever I heard them sing? These youngsters would do so with such passion and abandon. Click here to listen to what I’m talking about.

Every time, when I came home on vacation, there was this one thing on my must-do list besides a hearty braf, coconut water and a refreshing sea bath. I just had to behold once again those crests affixed to neatly pressed, golden yellow blouses. Their eruption of giggles and boundless energy masked an insatiable curiosity and quest for knowledge. Taking the time to attend an assembly would never fail to stir memories of my own defining moment: my considered choice to teach at Wesley High School.

Of course, many others have gone on to other things after a stint in front the classroom. Neither are such sentiments limited to one school. Whether at home or abroad, it is most heartening to see how Dominica’s graduation culture has evolved to be as sophisticated (and expensive) as any in the world. The advent of Facebook brings old classmates together in ways unimaginable just over a decade ago. Ebola notwithstanding, ease of travel makes well-planned class reunions a rousing reality.

Big school, small school, famous or not-so famous school; your alma mater is your alma mater. Nothing else can replace friendships forged in the crucible of emotions on becoming a woman or man. Nothing else can replace the teachers, those who molded and inspired as well as those whom we love to hate. Yet each school is lot more than just a building, more than a collection of resources mandated by the authorities.

High tradition

This article is not so much about current activities. WHS informative website and Facebook page more than suffice. Instead, for the benefit of those who may have wondered what good could come out of Wesley High, allow me to dig a little deeper to offer perspectives from yesteryear and prospects for tomorrow.

Of course, sharper sectarian divisions prevailed in 1926 when Wesley High School was born. Back then, British Methodist minister Rev. Erry began lessons with 8 students in the manse (pastor’s residence). He felt moved to provide an education that would be more reflective of the teachings of brothers John and Charles Wesley. These giants of the faith built on the work of bold reformers Martin Luther, John Calvin and George Whitfield. They were credited with stirring a ‘Great Awakening,’ which helped restore core New Testament precepts to the universal flock.

Charles was a prolific song-writer. Today, the faithful from across the spectrum of Christendom still glory in his compositions. They include Hark the Herald Angel Sing, Love Divine, all Loves Excelling and Can it be that I should Gain. The preaching of John Wesley transformed countless lives. Furthermore, many believe that the inner peace of his ministry permeated the restive British masses. This in turn, in large measure, dissuaded them from duplicating the sordid excesses of the French Revolution.

For generations, Wesley High School was the only viable option for Protestant education in the context of dominance by Convent High School and St. Mary’s Academy, government-run Grammar School being neutral. A majority of students back then hailed from Marigot and Wesley, culturally non-creole speaking descendants of Leeward Islanders brought in to work the plantations of the northeast. Some may argue that this distinct enclave tends to produce more self-assured high achievers at all levels of society.

Litany of successes

Dominica’s ‘first world’ literacy rate translates into consistent overall excellence by our youth wherever they go for advanced studies. Kudos to successive governments for continued investment in education, both public and private. High schools proliferated: PSS/Portsmouth, St. Andrews/Northeast Comprehensive (NEC), Isaiah Thomas/Senjo, Pierre Charles/Grandbay, Castle Bruce, SDA Secondary, St. Martin’s Secondary, Orion Academy and St. John’s Academy.

Introduction of these schools (especially NEC) into the menu of choices has diffused the impact of WHS somewhat. Consequently, its student population today is somewhat more diverse, but the proud tradition continues. Principal Hermione Irish ran through the pantheon of notable alumni including Minister of Social Services Hon. Gloria Shillingford, lawyer/farmer Singola Blomquist-Williams, DBS Radio personality Kimara Hurtault, Voice of Life radio personality Maria Simon Pascal, professor in China Roslyn Bowers, National HIV/AIDS Coordinator Julie Seaman Frampton, Principal of Massacre Primary Elizabeth Daley and head of French Department at DGS Shirlyn Phillip. Dare I say, I had the privilege of teaching a few in that number.

Beyond the academics, the female teachers labour to instill what it means to be a lady. Meanwhile, projecting a respectable male image is much needed in Caribbean society. Attempting that in a girls’ school was a groundbreaking experiment stoutly opposed by some for obvious reasons. ‘To Sir with Love’ crushes are unavoidable as long as one holds fast where to draw the line. Current French teacher, Cote D’Ivoire born Mr. Hillarion Akpa, can well attest to the how handy it is at times to have a big voice and some extra ‘beef’ when heavy things need to be moved around.

Men of the cloth are still leading the charge to take the school to the next level. In his opening prayer Superintendent Rev. Dr. Novelle Josiah gave thanks for Divine Providence. Keynote speaker, Guyanese-born Rev. Melvyn Austin assigned to the Dominica Circuit, built his keynote address around ‘Except the Lord build a house, they labour in vain that build them, (Psalm 127:1). Using decisions about his own vocational calling as an example, he challenged the students to seek God’s guidance when choosing a career path.

There is no turning back now. A thrilling 88 years after it all began, one of the founding 8 incredibly is still survives!

Hurricane David in 1979 so damaged main campus that the school for some years resorted to a shift system at the cozy Chateau. Gardeners know that transplanting into a bigger flowerpot results in better blooms and brighter blossoms. So too, will the Board’s long-cherished dream of a spanking new facility allow the school to grow and better fulfill its mission. Blueprints are in the works for the area across from the DGS and next to the Forestry Division. Alumni and friends from far and near seeking to source support to speed up this special place should contact Rev. Dr. Josiah as we prepare for the next 88!

Dr. Josiah can also be reached at 767 448-2998 or [email protected].

Click here for more information on Dr. Christian .