Tuesday, February 12, 2008

                 Alumnus Dr. Rosemarie Newman (l) poses with former Principal Lindo Wong

                 at  Annual  Founder's Day Service

Alumni, former teachers and staff joined current students, teachers and other members of the Excelsior fraternity as the school commemorated its 77th year of existence with a solemn Thanksgiving Service on Friday January 18.

The Founders Day Service which anchored the weekend of activities, was a celebration of the heritage and ethos of the school as visiting alumni mingled with students and staff to underscore the connectedness of all strands of the Excelsior family. This marathon session of about four hours sometimes tested the stamina of those in attendance, but the solemnity and significance of the observance was not lost on the participants.  

The school received a bounty of gifts as various chapters, individuals and graduating classes made donations totaling more than J$1 million, including over J$756,000.00 (US$10,800.00 ) given by the Excelsior Alumni Association (USA) Inc., to help with the Sixth Form Building construction while The Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida donated approximately J$280,000.00 (US$4,000.00) toward the Education Fund for the year 2008.

Separately, the Excelsior Past Students Association hosted its annual Founder's Day Brunch in Powell Hall on Sunday, January 21.

The annual Founders Day Brunch-one part Praise and Worship, one part entertainment package-was a more light-hearted and celebratory coda to the weekend of activities, as alumni turned out in droves to give thanks, pay homage to the school, sample the delectable dishes and renew old school ties.

Christopher Honeywell, newly elected President of the Excelsior Past Students Association; Althea Robinson Vice President, Excelsior Alumni Association of Florida; and Duane Coombs, Public Relation Officer, Excelsior Alumni Association (USA), Inc. extended greetings on behalf of the various alumni chapters.

A colorful fashion show capped the day's activities as student-models paraded their talent to the delight and appreciation of those in attendance.