Monday, February 12, 2007

Still riding on the crest of the Diamond Anniversary celebrations, Excelsior broke ground for the refurbished science lab on Sunday, January 21, during a special ceremony at the school.

The project, the lynchpin of the legacy of the 75th Anniversary Celebrations, will involve the construction of four new science laboratories which will double    the capacity of the existing plant. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2008.                                             

                                                                                              Evan Thompson                                                                                                                                                                            

Mrs. Marlene Bardowell, Excelsior Alumna and noted Jamaican scientist who heads the National Commission on Science and Technology, acted as keynote speaker at the ceremony. Minister of Education, Hon. Maxine Henry-Wilson was also among the 'ground-breaker'.                                                                                             

Marlene Bardowell

Donations from past students and other stakeholders will finance construction of the venture, and completion is expected within three years. The estimated J$40 million- budgeted project received a significant boost when the Excelsior Alumni lAssociation made an initial endowment of J$750, 000. 

Another infusion of funds should come from the proceeds of the yearlong 75th Anniversary Celebrations. The funds are still being reconciled while the year 2007 has been earmarked as the fundraising year.

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

Reflecting on a year with many ebbs and flows, which culminated with the groundbreaking function, Evan Thompson, Chairman of the Diamond Anniversary Celebrations said, “ It was not always 'smooth sailing' as it was a very challenging period with many disappointments but also with many successes and much fulfillment.”

The annual Founders Day Brunch in the school’s auditorium preceded the ground- breaking ceremony.

Special thanks to Beverley Newell and Donna Myrie on whose reporting this article is based.