Campion College Class of 1990 last week presented a cheque for J$700,000 to their alma mater in support of mental wellness initiatives for current students. 

The donation, made on the school grounds in St Andrew, forms part of a wider effort by the cohort to champion emotional well-being and resilience within the Campion community.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the school were current Principal, Dr Lavare Henry, PhD, and former Principal, Board member, Dean of Studies and beloved Master Chemistry teacher, Radley Reid. 

Both expressed deep gratitude to the Class of 1990, noting that the gift reflects a proud tradition of alumni giving back and a shared understanding that student success depends not only on academic excellence but also on emotional support and balance.

The funds will go toward programmes that equip students with practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life, as well as initiatives that promote mindfulness, empathy, and emotional intelligence. 

Dominque Rose, guidance counsellor at the school, welcomed the idea of incorporating new wellness initiatives, stating that such efforts align with Campion’s mission to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and to nurture young people who are not only high achievers but compassionate, grounded citizens. 

In recent years, the school has been deliberate about broadening its focus beyond academics, building on strong performances in sports and co-curricular activities, and lifting multiple trophies across disciplines. This renewed emphasis on balance reinforces the message that excellence at Campion now means strong grades, vibrant student life, and robust well-being.

The donation emerged from a collaborative effort by an organising committee and more than 200 alumni who attended “Back to School”, a special reunion event held in August 2025 in the same courtyard where the Class of 1990 once gathered as teenagers. Music was provided by two alumni who, in addition to their professional careers, are also DJs. This added a special celebratory, nostalgic touch, and with hits from the 80’s and 90’s ringing out until the appropriate lock-off time.

Following the presentation, Master Teacher of Biology and Acting Vice Principal, Kathryn “Katie” Stewart, led the alumni on a tour of the campus. She showcased recent developments and outlined areas where the mental wellness initiatives will have a tangible impact on students’ daily lives. Alumni reconnected with familiar spaces, including classrooms, labs, and courtyards, while seeing firsthand how the school continues to evolve.

The presentation was made to the entire student body across two assemblies and included an inspiring address by organising committee member Rita Coore-Widener. She encouraged students to look out for one another, seek help when needed, and embrace mental health as a vital part of overall success. Other representatives of the Class of 1990 shared that the initiative grew from their own reflections on stress, expectations, and identity during their school years. Now, as parents, professionals, and community members, they felt compelled to help nurture a culture where emotional well-being is valued as highly as academic performance.

The cheque handover served not only as a moment of reconnection and gratitude but also as one of remembrance, as the cohort honoured the teachers, administrators, and classmates who shaped their journeys. In celebrating this act of giving, Campion College reaffirmed that its legacy rests not only on grades and accolades but on a community committed to the holistic well-being and emotional safety of every student who passes through its gates.