SHPSA 125th Anniversary Honourees and representatives (l to r): Garth Robinson, brother of post-humous honouree, Paula Robinson-Myrstad, Marva Bernard, mentor to Sasher-Gay Henry, Joy Grant-Charles, Parthe Edwards, Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden and Alrene Richards-Barr, OD

The St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Association (SHPSA) along with overseas Chapters and Foundation have raised US$118,000 for infrastructural projects at St. Hugh’s High School. This milestone fundraising achievement was announced by Dr. Susan Otuokon, Chair of the 125th Anniversary Committee at the Association’s Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, 16^th November at the Jamaica Pegasus. 

The Association, which celebrates the school’s anniversary with major activities every five years, launched the Swan Challenge 125 on St. Hugh’s Day, 17^th November 2023 to encourage Swans (the moniker used for St. Hugh’s past students) to donate at least US$125 (or Jamaican dollar equivalent) for the School’s 125^th year.

Donations from 100 past students, brought in US$29,076 (about JA$4.5 million) to support cafeteria improvements, bathroom renovations and smaller scale projects; of this, the Class of 1979 jointly raised the most funds of any year group, with US$5,732 and one Swan from the Class of 1981 donated US$10,000.

Not to be outdone, the Atlanta Chapter raised US$46,000 for a new Leinster Road entrance, which was officially opened on 15^th November 2024; the South Florida Chapter raised US$10,000 for netball court re-surfacing; the Canada/Toronto Chapter raised US$18,438 towards sport facilities improvements and the smallest chapter, New York, raised over US$5,000 for bathroom renovations. The Class of 1976 refurbished the music room, inclusive a new piano, at just over US$10,000 – and renamed the room in honour of their classmate, songbird Karen Smith.

Donors indicated that they gave to honour the major role St Hugh’s played in their development and to help maintain the school’s legacy of strong, women leaders and achievers. Notable alumnae include 125^th Anniversary Honourees: Paula Robinson-Myrstad, Sasher-Gay Henry, Joy Grant-Charles, Parthe Edwards, Dr. Jacqueline Payne-Borden and Alrene Richards-Barr, OD; Fidelitas Awardees: Carol Parker, Novelette Edwards-Tomlinson and Carlene Zincke; Professor Carolyn Cooper recognised for her recently awarded Gold Musgrave Medal and Fae Ellington, CD recognised for celebrating 50 years in media.

Fundraising to raise the remaining US$7,000 continues through the Association’s online shop https://shop.sthughspsa.org/products/Swan-Challenge-125

About the St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Association

St Hugh's High School is an Anglican all-girls high school in Kingston, Jamaica. The school was established in 1899, as an experiment in the education of young women, by Archbishop Enos Nuttall, the Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies (1880-1916). St. Hugh, the school’s patron saint was noted for his kindness and loyalty to people and for his pet swan from which the school derives its logo. The Association was established in 1933 and continues from strength to strength with the formation of 4 overseas chapters and the St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Foundation in 2002.

The Association, Chapters and Foundation and individual past students provide over US$20,000 in scholarships annually. Additionally, they support regular, on-going programmes at the school to promote the spiritual, mental, physical and academic needs of their young Swan sisters. These include Sponsor-a-Swan, annual school medicals provided at a reduced cost by the Association with help from Swan doctors, regular rap sessions with Swan sisters and quarterly devotions. Further, the Association makes regular donations to a number of women’s and children’s charities and organizes blood drives.

In expressing appreciation to the St. Hugh's alumnae on behalf of the school family, Principal Bryan Hughes noted that she was overwhelmed with gratitude and delight for the generous monetary donations and other philanthropist efforts of the Swan sisters. She added that, "Your selfless contributions are a testament to the enduring spirit of St. Hugh's High School and the profound impact it has had on your lives. Your support will enable us to continue providing exceptional educational experiences for current and future students. Thank you for your loyalty and commitment to giving back to your beloved alma mater."

Contact: Dr. Susan Otuokon

125^th Anniversary Committee Chair

876-363-7002

shhs.psa@gmail.com