Ray Howell, former principal at Edith Dalton James High, immortalised in building-naming ceremony

The transformational former principal of Edith Dalton James High School, Ray Howell, has been honoured by the institution that he led for 10 years.

During a building-naming ceremony at the school’s campus at 40 Herrick Avenue, Kingston 20 on Friday (March 31), the grade-11 complex was officially named the Ray Howell Building, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the development of the institution.

The building, which was constructed at a cost of approximately $18 million in 2013, comprises six classrooms; one cosmetology and technical drawing lab; 10 offices for guidance counsellors and heads of the mathematics, social studies and English language departments, and grades seven, eight and 11 coordinators; one boardroom and a storeroom. 

Howell played a key role in the expansion and transformation of the institution in keeping with the focus of the Ministry of Education and Youth on eliminating the shift system and lifting student achievement.

During his tenure, from 2006 to 2016, major infrastructure projects were carried out at the school, including the construction of a conference centre in 2009; a complex comprising six classrooms and offices in 2014; a library resource centre; a new principal, vice principal and bursar’s office; and an extension of the main staff room. The school’s auditorium was also extended from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet in 2010. 

Several classrooms were also built throughout his tenure, eight with assistance from the Ministry of Education and Youth. 

All areas of the school have been upgraded, including bathrooms and computer laboratories, and a student/staff-friendly environment has been created by improving the aesthetics of the school plant.

A key achievement was the introduction of the extended-day class format in September 2014, replacing the double-shift system, and giving students more teaching-learning contact time.

Portfolio Minister, Fayval Williams, who attended the building-naming ceremony, commended Mr. Howell for his significant contribution and stewardship. 

“Whatever was done was for the greater good, not for individual glory. His passion for teaching and administration, with a visionary perspective on the importance of infrastructure development, underscored his care for students and the teaching staff,” Williams added. 

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Western, Anthony Hylton, on his part, said Mr. Howell focused on addressing “the constraints to learning”. 

“He understood the nexus between providing a good-quality education and the facilities that are needed to support the efforts,” he pointed out. 

Expressing “tremendous gratitude” for the recognition, Mr. Howell noted that the transformation of Edith Dalton James High was built on “collaborative leadership, shared vision and synergy” between management and the school board. 

“I’ve always strived to positively influence lives, be impactful and make a difference [which] I believe, was a calling to fulfil. I am grateful for the ability to serve, and the support given during my 10 years as principal,” he said.

Acting Principal, Angella Lafayette-Thompson, credited Mr. Howell’s efforts in ensuring that the school now operates on “an extended-day system” to better serve the students.

“It is with great respect and admiration that we pay tribute to Mr. Howell, who dedicated his life to improving the lives of young people through education. He’s a visionary leader who inspired students, teachers and staff to strive for excellence and reach their full potential,” she said. 

Edith Dalton James High provides quality secondary education through a curriculum aimed at helping learners achieve success. 

The institution, which has a student enrolment of 1,174, with 68 academic staff, provides schooling up to grade 13, including the Sixth-Form Pathways Programme, which is aimed at better preparing pupils for the workforce or more advanced studies.

The institution, which opened in 1977, is committed to delivering excellence in academics, sports, the arts, culture and innovation.

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