Friday, March  21, 2008

Christopher Honeywell (left) President of the Excelsior Past Students’ Association accepts a check from   Merline Bardowell, Executive Director National Commission on Science and Technology. Peter Moncrieffe (right) Treasurer of the Excelsior PSA looks on.

A year after Excelsior broke ground for the refurbishing of the science laboratory, the initiative has received another infusion of funds.

Christopher Honeywell, President of the Excelsior Past Students' Association, recently accepted a check in the sum of J$50,000.00 toward the project from noted Jamaican scientist Mrs. Merline Bardowell, Executive Director of the National Commission on Science & Technology.

Mrs. Merline Bardowell, herself an Excelsior alumnus, made the donation on behalf of Jamaica's National Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology for the revamping and expansion of Excelsior's laboratories. She was the Keynote Speaker as the school broke ground more than a year ago for the estimated J$40 million project.

The Science Lab Project, which was the major undertaking as the school marked its 75th anniversary in 2006, is being spearheaded by the Excelsior Past Students’ Association, in recognition of the important role of science and technology in promoting national development. The project involves the construction of four new science laboratories which will bring the total complement to eight.

The existing facilities will also be expanded and modern equipment will be installed in all labs as part of the initiative. Other project features include the development of an exhibition room to showcase outstanding projects by students; a new staffroom and restroom; and the establishment of an outdoor/greenhouse lab.

Construction, which is expected to be completed within three years, is being financed mainly through pledges and donations by alumni, including a J$750,000.00 pledge from the Excelsior Alumni Association (USA) Inc, made at the 75th Anniversary Banquet in November 2006.

Alumnus Lloyd Davis will spearhead the overall project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2011.