The 2024 LASCO/Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information/Jamaica Teaching Council’s Teacher, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Teacher, and Principal of the Year Awards saw three educators as they were chosen as the winners from a prestigious field of nine finalists.
Casmina Bryan, a teacher at Manchester High School, received the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award.
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The highly sought-after Technical and Vocational Education and Training Teacher of the Year Award went to Tracy-Ann Hall, an auto-mechanic instructor at Jonathan Grant High School in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
Sheldon Thomas, the headmaster of Fern Court High School in St Ann, was also awarded the Popular Vote Award and the Principal of the Year Award.
125 educators received diplomas and plaques for their exceptional contributions to Jamaican education during the annual event, which was held in the opulent Pegasus Ballroom at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston with the theme “Challenges There Are, but Excellence Prevails.” Nine finalists were selected from the competition by the judges.
Bryan was as excited as she was, feeling encouraged and elated by the honor.
Bryan stated, “You work hard, dedicate yourself, and keep pushing. I’m truly happy to be recognized for my efforts.”
Bryan left with $100,000 in prize money and other presents, describing the process as demanding but worthwhile.
“I love challenges and always strive to rise to the occasion. At Manchester High, we give 150 percent or more in everything we do,” She went on to say. As she embraces her position as Teacher of the Year, Bryan looks forward to a demanding but rewarding year.
Sashane Stone-Golbourne of Aberdeen High School in St Elizabeth was the second runner-up for Teacher of the Year, and Elcia Francis-Davis of May River Primary School in St Mary was the first runner-up, receiving $50,000.
Tracy-Ann Hall, a 25-year educator and TVET Teacher of the Year winner said she was grateful for the honor.
Hall stated in an interview, “A lot of times, teachers work tirelessly and feel unnoticed, but this award shows that our efforts don’t go unseen.”
Hall stressed the need for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Many of our students are below the poverty line. Acquiring a skill can be life-changing, allowing them to work and pursue further education,” she explained.
While attending St. Catherine High School, Hall was introduced to auto repairs at the age of 13. Despite dyslexia, Hall triumphed in his profession.
“Critics doubted me because I didn’t pass exams in high school. But with perseverance, I studied while working and learning a trade. That propelled me to where I am now,” Hall talked about her dedication to supporting youngsters who struggle academically.
Hall got $100,000 as well. In the TVET Teacher of the Year competition, Nadia Jones from Carron Hall High School in St. Mary came in first runner-up, while Shaniel Davis-Brown from Bridgeport High School in Portmore came in second. $50,000 and $25,000 were given to them, respectively.
Principal of the Year Sheldon Thomas attributed his accomplishment to the school community’s cooperation.
“I owe this to my board of management, teachers, students – past and present – and parents who all work towards the vision of excellence at Fern Court High,” he stated.
Fern Court High’s math achievement increased by 34% under Thomas’s direction, and the school’s 2024 National Education Inspectorate grade went from “satisfactory” to “good.”
Thomas, who has more than 20 years of experience in teaching, was also awarded $100,000. The judges described Thomas as a strong leader with a demonstrated track record in both extracurricular activities and academics.
Dr. Lavern Stewart of Anchovy High School in St. James came in second place, while Nadeen Gayle-Little of Beulah All-Age School in Clarendon came in first. They were each given $50,000 and $25,000.
The LASCO Foundation Teachers’ Awards, which are in their 27th year, continue to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of teachers who encourage excellence in Jamaica’s educational system.
