POWELL, Hon. Aston Wesley, O.J., O.B.E., M.A., B.Sc., L.L.D. (Hony.), Director, Foundation for International Self-Help; Life Member, Y.M.C.A., Jamaica Teachers Association.
Born: Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, May 21, 1909; son of Samuel U. Powell, Teacher, and Anna Louise Powell, Housewife (both dec’d)\
Educated: Calabar Elementary, Normal Secondary; Tutorial Colleges, London Matric (External), Columbia University.
Other Languages Spoken: Spanish
Career:
- Secretary Marcus Garvey Inauguration of Universal Negro Improvement Association 1928-29
- Teaching Normal Secondary. He served as an Asst. School Master
- Tutorial College 1929-30; He served as an Asst. School Master
- Founder/Headmaster Excelsior School 1931-1975;
- Director Excelsior Education Centre 1975-1981;
- Director, Foundation for International Self -Help
- First President Jamaica Teachers' Association 1964-66;
- Y.M.C.A. Director 1954-66; Chairman 1966-71; President Emeritus 1971--1977,
- Served on the Advisory Council of the Ministry of Education 1966. He was also the Chairman of the Property and Development Committee and Chairman of the General Council and Finance Committee.
Awards:
- Order of the British Empire 1968;
- Jamaica Progressive League New York Inc. for outstanding contribution to Jamaica in the field of Education 1970;
- Norman Manley Award for Excellence in the field of Education 1971;
- Catholic Teachers Association of Jamaica Special Award 1972;
- Life Member Jamaica Teachers' Association,
- National Roll of Honour for outstanding service to Jamaica in the field of Education 1977;
- Rotary Club of Kingston for outstanding unequalled contribution to the provision and advancement of Education for all Jamaicans 1979;
- Made a Paul Harris Fellow 1992;
- Jaycees of Jamaica Award in recognition of excellent and dedicated service in the field of Education 1980;
- Gleaner Certificate of Merit for outstanding service in the field of Education 1980;
- Excelsior Old Students' Association long service award presented to Founder, Architect, Builder of EXED 1981;
- Jack's Hill Community Council, Certificate in appreciation of special services rendered to the Community in the field of Fundraising 1983;
- Marcus Garvey Development Foundation Award in recognition of Meritorious Service to the people of Jamaica 1987; ( He served as a short hand reporter for the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA and at the Marcus Garvey Convention.
- Jamaican United Nationals Association
- Beecher Award for Excellent service to Jamaica 1987.
- Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West Indies
Chief Publication: Excelsior EXED Story (1989).
Denomination: Methodist.
Married: Cynthia M. Wells, January 18, 1949; 2 sons, 1 daughter.
Interests: Music, Reading.
Clubs: Kingston Cricket, Kingston Rotary.
Motto: Unless You Stand For Something, You Will Fall For Anything.
Died: February 1997
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