With a total of 64 years service to the Falmouth All-Age Age School, retiring teachers Edna and Icolene Ricketts were lauded at an appreciation function by the school at the Falmouth Methodist Church last Thursday.
The sisters were applauded for their service not just to the academics but to all areas of the school’s life. Principal, Talbert Golding characterized them as the epitome of professionalism.
The citation prepared for them spoke of their not accepting mediocrity and their ability to motivate to learn. Icolene, who retired one year ago, served for 31 years. Among her strengths was her talent as a writer and poet which was used on almost all official school ceremonies.
Edna, who did 33 years, only recently retired. Among her strengths was her ability at Testing and Management and dance. Both of these were recognised nationally as a resource teacher in testing and management by the Ministry of Education & Culture and once won the national 'Teacher of the Year' in ‘Traditional Folk Form’ in dance.
Guest speaker, Reverend Keith Edwards reiterated the importance of teaching while encouraging teachers to, “provide the utmost opportunity to ensure that those who can learn do so,” he said. He added that important to teaching is godliness.
Another guest speaker was principal of the Darliston Primary School, Collin Campbell. Those bringing greetings were Custom Rotulorum Roylan Barrett, MP Dr. Patrick Harris, education fficer Miss Karlene Segree, past president of Trelawny JTA Maudlin Wright-Shaw, board member Mrs Rosie Reeves and PTA president, Mrs Dahlia Watson.
Items were done by saxophonists Fabian Brown, Miss Sophia Campbell, Adrian Dell and school children.
