Alleyne School in ‘241 state of mind’ on Founder’s Day

Students of The Alleyne School were urged to embrace a “241 state of mind” as they pursue excellence, during Monday’s Founder’s Day Service held at the school’s auditorium in Belleplaine, St Andrew.

Keynote speaker and alumnus Jamal Gill challenged the student body to adopt the mindset on the school’s 241st anniversary, reminding them that their role in shaping Barbados’ future is critical.

Jamal Gill former student of the Alleyne School. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)

“I think that you all are the chosen generation for many reasons,” he said. “We are at a juncture in our country where we need strong young people more so than before… we are really at a crossroads in Barbados, and I want to extend the task to you to step up.”

Reflecting on the school’s long history, Gill noted that the institution predates many nations in the Western Hemisphere, underscoring its significance.

“The United States of America is celebrating 250 years this year. So The Alleyne School was conceptualized and created just about eight years after.”

He urged students to think deeply about the legacy they intend to leave behind, stressing that their years at the institution are among the most transformative.

“Your secondary years are usually the most transformative years of your life… so I want you to think… Can I leave a legacy here at Alleyne School? What would be my contribution to this great institution?”

Gill also encouraged discipline and resilience, acknowledging the realities students face.

“There are times you will get tired… you will give up. That’s natural… but I always say occasional errors does not mean long-term failure,” he said. “Use your school years wisely… do not take it for granted.”

Touching on character development, he warned that empathy and accountability are eroding in society and must be intentionally nurtured.

“When you leave this school, you will not only be representatives of The Alleyne School… you will be representatives of Barbados,” he said. “So I want you to really think about it… how can I be a better person today?”

As part of the ceremony, the school’s steel pan orchestra delivered a lively medley, adding to the celebratory atmosphere, while Gill was presented with a token of appreciation following his address.

The Alleyne School Steel Pan Orchestra. (Photo Credit: Lauryn Escamilla/Barbados TODAY)

Two distinguished alumni, Chetwyn Greenidge and Audrey Hunte-Cox, were also honoured for their contributions to the development of the school and wider society.

Greenidge, a former student leader and strong advocate for language and culture, has maintained a lifelong connection to the institution and its values. Now a senior professional in financial technology, he used the opportunity to outline initiatives aimed at giving back to his alma mater.

“Recently, our group launched a very successful graduates challenge… where students will receive positions within Payce Digital,” he said, noting that the programme was expanded from two to four internship opportunities due to the high calibre of participants.

He added that additional initiatives, including a “Pass the Baton” mentorship programme and an upcoming essay competition focused on artificial intelligence, with a laptop being one of the prizes, are all designed “to give back, to uplift, and to ensure the excellence of The Alleyne School continues.”

“Embrace every opportunity. Believe in your potential, and never underestimate the power of your beginnings,” Greenidge urged students. “I will continue to serve with passion, pride, and an unwavering commitment… because truly, it’s an Alleynian thing.”

Hunte-Cox, a former national athlete, reflected on her journey from Alleyne, where she excelled academically and in sports, including netball and track and field.

“It started right here at the school where I played netball and ran track,” she said, expressing gratitude for the recognition. “I’m happy this morning to be privileged to share this award… and to be among these distinguished persons.”

She encouraged students to strive for success and look toward one day standing on the same.

“I hope that I will live for many more years to see you all come to this podium to accept some awards as I did,” she added.

Alleyne Week celebrations, which began on Sunday, will continue until May 2. The school, the first government co-educational high school in the island, was founded in 1785 by Sir John Gay Alleyne, a long-time St Andrew MP and Speaker of the House of Assembly, who was a descendant of the earliest English colonisers of Barbados. 

The impressive mahogany grove at Cherry Tree Hill was first planted by Alleyne, who introduced the wood to Barbados. 

A slaveowner, after whom Mount Gay plantation and distilleries were named, Alleyne was a contradictory member of the planter class in the emerging Age of Enlightenment: a wealthy sugar planter and politician who owned hundreds of enslaved Africans, who publicly denounced slavery on the floor of the House as “an unhappy sight which leaves an immense debt upon us to clear the obligation of human nature”.

(LE)