LASCO continues to honour the heart of Jamaica’s education system

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LASCO continues to honour the heart of Jamaica’s education system

LASCO continues to honour the heart of Jamaica’s education system
Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies James E. D. Rawle, CD, (left) and CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation Professor Rosalea Hamilton (far right) stand with the 2023-2024 awardees, Principal of the Year Rayon Simpson, Teacher of the Year Franklin Burrell, and TVET Teacher of the Year Ilene Cohall-Bailey, whose smiles were glowing with pride following the honour bestowed upon them.

LASCO Chin Foundation (LCF), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skill, Youth and Information (MoEYI) and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), will host the 2024 Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards on Friday, December 6, 2024. Under the theme, “Challenges there are, but excellence prevails”, the event will shine a spotlight on exceptional educators, recognising their unwavering dedication and resilience in shaping the future of Jamaica’s education system.

Speaking about the theme of this year’s awards, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, remarked, “There is so much to admire about our nation’s teachers. Despite the numerous challenges they face, they continue to give their all to Jamaica’s education system – consistently pouring knowledge and valuable life lessons into the minds of our youth, while rising above obstacles to inspire and motivate positive change for the future. Each year, I look forward to the process of selecting our awardees and learning more about their incredible contributions. ‘Challenges there are, but excellence prevails’ perfectly encapsulates the resilience of our teachers, not only this year but throughout the years.”

The LASCO programme, which was inaugurated in 1997 with the ‘Teacher of the Year Awards’, expanded to include the Principal of the Year and TVET Teacher of the Year categories in 2006 and 2019, respectively. Last year 130 educators were honoured, and this year, approximately 125 educators, from across the island have participated in a rigorous interview process with a panel of judges. From these interviews, nine educators – three from each category – were selected for the top honours.

The winners will receive a total prize package of $525,000 in cash, presented via LASCO Gold Card courtesy of LASCO Money. Each winner will also have the opportunity to attend the prestigious Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Conference, scheduled for June next year in Texas, to further their professional development.

“LCF remains steadfast in its support of these remarkable professionals who are truly the heart of our nation’s growth and development,” added Professor Hamilton.

The nine finalists for the LASCO/MoEYI/JTC Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards titles include:

Teachers:

  • Casmina Bryan – Senior Educator, Grade Supervisor, and Team Leader, Manchester High School

  • Elecia Francis-Davis – Acting Senior Teacher, Literacy Coordinator, May River Primary School

  • Sashane Stone-Goldbourne – Head of Languages Department, Aberdeen High School

TVET Teachers:

  • Nadia Jones – Head of Business Department, Carron Hall High School

  • Shaneil Davis Brown – Teacher, Bridgeport High School

  • Tracy-Ann Hall – Master Teacher, Automotive Technology

Principals:

  • Dr. Lavern Stewart – Principal, Anchovy High School

  • Nadine Gayle Little – Principal, Beulah All Age and Infant Department

  • Sheldon Thomas – Principal, Ferncourt High School

The awards ceremony will also feature a distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Adrian Stokes, who brings a wealth of expertise in investment management, corporate strategy, and education. As the CEO of Qantas Capital, Dr. Stokes, has built a strong track record in financial services and his leadership extends to his role as Chair of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping educational reforms. With his extensive background and commitment to advancing education, Dr. Stokes adds to the excitement surrounding this year’s event, making it one that LASCO and the education community eagerly anticipate.

As 2024 LASCO/MoEYI/JTC Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards approaches, anticipation continues to build to celebrate the excellence of Jamaica’s educators. The event is not only a recognition of their invaluable contributions to the nation’s education but also an opportunity to inspire others in the field. LASCO remains committed to supporting and empowering teachers and principals, whose tireless efforts are shaping the future of Jamaica.

Professor Rosalea Hamilton (left), CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, and Hon. Fayval Williams (right), then Minister of Education and Youth, present Illene Cohall-Bailey, the 2023-2024 TVET Teacher of the Year her awards and a gift basket of LASCO products at last year’s LASCO, MoEY, JTC Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards ceremony.

 

Hon. Fayval Williams (centre), then Minister of Education and Youth and James E. D. Rawle, CD, (right), Executive Chairman of LASCO Affiliated Companies presents the 2023-2024 Principal of the Year, Rayon Simpson (left) of Belmont Academy with a symbolic cheque valued at JM$100,000.00.

 

Dr. Winsome Gordon (left), CEO of the Jamaica Teaching Council and Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, share a moment of appreciation and camaraderie at the 2023 staging of the LASCO/MoEY/JTC Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards ceremony.