Dr Ransford Davidson, business relationship and sales manager at JN Bank, is making the case for the transformative role a committed and supportive alumni association can play in school improvement.

The banker said by using their networks and skills to create opportunities for current students, past students can deeply affect the development of their alma maters.

“By leveraging your collective skills and influence, you can make a lasting impact on the school. The more you collaborate, the more you can drive innovation and build a brighter future for the next generation of students.”

“You are uniquely positioned to make a difference because of the breadth of experience you possess,” Dr Davidson added.

He was addressing approximately 130 members of the Aabuthnott Gallimore High School Alumni Association during their fundraising gala held at the Holiday Haven Resort in Runaway Bay, St Ann recently (December 28), which was themed ‘Bringing Our Vision to Life: Capitalising on the Power of Collaboration‘.

Drawing inspiration from the collaborative efforts of the Endeavour Community Tank Rehabilitation Project in the garden parish a few years ago, Davidson, who oversees the operations of JN Bank’s Brown’s Town and St Ann’s Bay branches, recounted how a shared vision and united action among community stakeholders resulted in a significant impact. The project involved providing water supply to the farming district of Endeavour.

‘What made this project remarkable was the collaborative efforts that brought everything to fruition. The JN Foundation, local business owners, leaders from Brown’s Town, Justices of the Peace, and community members came together with a shared vision. Each brought something unique to the table, including financial resources, technical expertise, labour and dedication.”

“This pooling of resources and mutual support enabled the rehabilitation and renovation of the community tank, restoring access to clean water for many residents. It was a powerful reminder that no challenge is insurmountable when people work together towards a common goal,” he said, while stressing that similar collective efforts could enable the alumni association to achieve extraordinary outcomes, ensuring long-term benefits for both the school and students.

Dr Davidson further highlighted that through mentorship, resource mobilisation, and the sharing of expertise, alumni can create opportunities for current students and bolster the school’s programmes. He also emphasised that one of the most significant attributes of a strong alumni association lies in its expansive network, which connects them to organisations and individuals capable of offering various forms of support, such as job placements for graduates, sponsorships of student programmes and school plant improvement.

“The wealth of knowledge within the alumni network can be used to fill gaps in the current curriculum. These sessions can help students develop practical skills that will serve them in the workforce and in life. Persons who work in specialised fields can collaborate with the school’s faculty to review and enhance the curriculum. The impact of this is that students benefit directly as they gain exposure to real-world skills, and the school itself thrives through the integration of current knowledge and industry best practices,” he added.

One of key highlights of the gala was the recognition of three past teachers: Sonia Nevins- Ricketts, Headley Cross and Lenworth Sterling, for their outstanding contribution to the school, while Sylvester Christie and Quasheba Cummings were recognised as Alumni of the Year and Runner Up Alumni of the Year respectively.

Completing the list of award recipients were Eloise Panton, Rohan Callum and Andrew Morris, members of the community, for their commendable support to the school and alumni association.

During the gala, the alumni handed over a public address system to the school which was procured from the proceeds of their 2023 fundraising gala. Later this year, the alumni will be establishing a gazebo and serenity garden at the school from the proceeds of their recent gala.