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Big Up to YCites who have been in the news spotlight recently...
   
 

2011 Labour Day Project at YC... a Success!!!

All hands were on deck at this year's labour day project. Current students worked along side staff and alumni members to beautify various sections of the York Castle High School campus.

The president of the alumni
and all the organizers of the event, wish to express gratitude to all who contributed to making the event a success.

See You Next Year!

For more pictures of the event, please browse the website's picture gallery IS THAT YOU from pictures 216 to 225.

 


   
  50th YCHS Anniversary Celebration...Exciting...Different...Unforgettable!!!

Nat King Cole, the very famous singer, sang this tune "Unforgettable that's what you are"…and perhaps that is how YCites who were able to share in this historic week-long celebration for the 50th Anniversary of York Castle High School will remember June 29th – July 5th 2008!!!

The Banquet was a splendid evening for YCites at the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios resort…it culminated an awesome week for the memory books of YCHS as YCites from as early as the first graduating class of 1958 to 2000+ merged for one purpose: their noble alma mater's 50th.

We wish you were here YCites who were unable to share this week with us.

However, we promise as soon as photographs from all the events are received, we all can enjoy this YCHS milestone as the photographs will be published on the past students website at www.ycalumni.org. Quick reminder for those sending photographs, if names are included of those taken in the pictures that can help as well.

Look out for a more detailed wrap up of the Banquet and the excellent responses of YCites to YCHS challenges as pointed out by Jamaica Chapter President Patrick Russell; in addition to the motivational presentation of guest speaker, YCite Dr. Doreen Brady-West.

 
   
  YCHS PAST STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BANQUET

The YCHS Past Students Association 50th Anniversary Celebration Banquet will be held on Saturday, July 5th, 2008 at the following:

The New Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort (formerly Siboney Hotel) on the Ocho Rios By-Pass.

About Discount Group Rate for Staying at the Resort

The Resort would like to offer a group discount rate to the YCHS Past Students Association. However , this cannot be achieved without a minimum of 10 rooms being confirmed for reservation by YCites. If you wish to participate in getting this discount, contact the resort to make your reservation as follows:

Telephone 876-974-5691 (from Jamaica)

800-SANDALS or (305)284-1300 (from Overseas)

Resort Website http://www.sandals.com/main/ochorios/or-offer.cfm

About the Banquet

Tickets for the banquet will be on sale for J$7,000.00 per person – there is no discount applied per couple.

7,000.00 JMD                  =     98.2309 USD 
Jamaica Dollars                       United States Dollars
1 JMD = 0.0140330 USD           1 USD = 71.2607 JMD

The banquet facility has been reserved for 250 attendees. With this in mind, we need to know if you will be sharing this memorable event with us. Please respond immediately to yorkcastlealumni@gmail.com with simply:

  •  I WILL BE ATTENDING THE BANQUET

This will help us with the headcount for the facility and to ensure that the resort has the Banquet Room setup for the 250 attendees.

Something exciting... Something different... Something memorable
June 29 -July 5, 2008

 
 
 

 

 

 

YC ALUMNI BOOK DRIVE

 

As part of the week-long celebration, the YCHS Past Students Association would like to donate books to the YCHS Library on the day scheduled for us to tour the School (Monday, June 30th).

If you are unable to join us on that and would still like to donate books in time for June 30th, you can as follows:

  • Deliver in the Corporate Area (Kingston/St. Andrew)
    To the Attention of: ( YCite) Glendon Nam Island Dairies Offices
    54 Constant Spring Road, Kingston (across from Merl Grove High School)

  • Send an eMail to yorkcastlealumni@gmail.com requesting that the association contact another YCite who will be participating on the YCHS school tour to take along on your behalf  
    (Click for more)
 
 

YCite Beverly Smith-Downes, with Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

YCite Bev Smith-Downes, Chief Medical Physicist/ Radiosurgery Div Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, with Democratic Party Presidential Candidate Barack Obama!!!


 
   
  YC's Former Head Boy appointed Chairman of Fisheries Advisory Board

YCite and former YCHS Head Boy Richard Sasso has been appointed as the Chairman of the Fisheries Advisory Board, a recently established Board by Jamaica's Agriculture Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton.

Please click on the link below to read more on this announcement in the Jamaica Observer newspaper.

www.jamaicaobserver.com

 
   
  Jamaica's Governor General (GG) visits YCHS, Friday April 4, 2008

The YCHS Principal, Mrs. Beverly Hawthorne, has just informed the Past Students Association that Jamaica's Governor General (GG), Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall will be visiting York Castle High School, in Brown's Town St. Ann this Friday morning, April 4th, 2008.

The GG and Lady Hall will be honouring YCHS for its achievement in the recent CXC examinations. YCHS is one of the schools in the Ministry of Education's territory (Region 3) being honoured by the GG for this year's CXC achievement in addition to these schools achievements over the years with the CXC.
(Click for more)
 
   
  YCHS Past Student Michael Dunn, selected as Gleaner Company's Letter of the Day recipient

YC Past Student Michael Dunn was recently selected as the the Gleaner Company Letter of the Day recipient, presented his Sangster's Book Store gift voucher to YCHS. (Click for more)
 
   
  YCHS PILGRIMAGE

You are cordially invited to attend the YCHS Pilgrimage, organized by the school's Principal Mrs Beverly Hawthorne, to the original school site in the district of York Castle, in St. Ann. The past students association has just been advised about the event's agenda which will be taking place next Wednesday, March 19th, 2008. The district is just south of Claremont. (Click for more)
 
   
  Something exciting... Something different... Something memorable
June 29 -July 5, 2008
 
  At the recent 50th Anniversary Celebration Planning meeting, some YCHS past students were in attendance. Below is a highlight of the discussions.
  • 1. BUMPER STICKER

    The artwork has now been sent to the printery and the bumper stickers will be delivered to the planning committee this weekend. Again, much thanks to YCite Clement "Jimmy" Lawrence for designing the artwork for the bumper sticker - see attached for a glimpse.(Click for more)
   
 

50th Anniversary Celebration for June/July 2008 - Planning Begins This Saturday

The 50th Anniversary Celebration for York Castle High School is this year, 2008!!!

YCites let's make it a celebration we all can be proud of in our usual inimitable York Castle High School style.

The YCHS Past Students Association-Jamaica Chapter Executive invites all YCites to become involved in the plans for this celebration as the first planning meeting is scheduled for this weekend (we know it is a little short notice, this time, but hang in there; if we don't get started now, we cannot get a schedule so that you can include on your 2008 calendar of events for you and maybe your family).

Won't you join us at the meeting and help in this ½ Century Celebration for YCHS?

 

PURPOSE:           50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PLANNING MEETING

DATE:                    SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2008

TIME:                    11:00am

VENUE:                 JUS CHEERS (owned/operated by YCite Wade Jackson), St. Ann's Bay

DIRECTIONS:      Along the St. Ann's Bay By-Pass (beside Cool Oasis service station)

CONTACT:           Patrick Russell, President :  Mobile # 876-818-5944

                                Joy Speare, Treasurer:  Mobile # 876-999-2008

 
   
 

JA Chapter President, Geraldine Sinclair resigns

 

Dear Jamaica Chapter Executives , YCites

 

My post as President of the Jamaica Chapter has been a most rewarding experience, and so it is with much regret that I am now relinquishing that post immediately, due to personal reasons.

 

Thanks for having had the confidence in me to entrust me with this position.

 

I will always recall pleasant memories of The York Castle Past Students Association- Jamaica Chapter, and though I will no longer be an executive member, I will always be a part of this organization. Best wishes now and always.

 

Regards

Geraldine
 
 

NY Chapter Irwine Clare To Receive Outstanding Brown's Town Community College Alumnus Award
 
  The Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ) on the recommendation of BTCC will be giving you an Outstanding Alumnus Award at its Annual Conference at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel on January 8, 2007. There will be an Award to an Alumnus of each of the Community Colleges, and this year Irwine Clare will be the recipient of that for Brown's Town.


 
   
 
Year-Long "School Bus Challenge"
Ends in High Gear

 York Castle High now has a school bus to transport its students and staff to and from events. If you missed the hand-over ceremony last Saturday, you probably felt the YC spirit on that day! Adorned with Gold & Black balloons, driving up the road from Brown's Town led by some YCites in their cars blowing horns, the YCHS bus arrived at the school's entrance to a greeting of applause and cheers by past students, current students, the Principal, First Caribbean International Bank (FCIB) representatives headed by their Managing Director, school Board members & Administrative staff and a number of well-wishers. (Click for more)
 
   
  YCite Elgin Holness handing-over keys for YCHS bus to Principal Mrs. Beverly Hawthorne. YCite & First Caribbean International Bank Managing Director Milton Brady is in middle.
   
 
Past Students getting the bus "dressed up before the hand-over ceremony" while current students look-on.
 
   
 
The YCHS bus, with signage design by YCite Clement "Jimmy" Lawrence, arriving for the hand-over ceremony





 
 
 
  HOP ON BOARD...THE BUS DRIVE TO YCHS

YCites …get set to board the YCHS bus and…be a part of history for our beloved York Castle High School Saturday, November 24th, 2007 is scheduled as the proposed date for the school bus to be driven from the Kingston automobile lot of YCite Elgin Holness through the gates of YCHS…as insurance is being sourced from YCite Gilbert McDonald ...Sounds like Thanksgiving weekend in USA but more like pre-Christmas for YCHS... Join the convoy along the way…Highway 2000 to Spanish Town Exit, driving along the Flat Bridge Gorge, up Mt. Rosser Passing though Moneague…Claremont…Bamboo…then arriving in Brown's Town, St. Ann Big Up to YCites across the Globe as we all made this possible…and to "resident graphic artist" YCite Clement "Jimmy" Lawrence who at this time is creating the logo for the bus…

Make this a date…as the York Castle High School Past Students Association - Jamaica Chapter is making this an event you don't want to miss…look out for more details

 
 
 
  Best Wishes Former Police Commish, YCite Lucius Thomas
  The very best wishes to you out-going Jamaica Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, a YCite!!!

The York Castle High School Past Students Association is very proud of your outstanding service to your colleagues in the Police Force and your country, Jamaica.

 
 
  YCHS BUS DRIVE UPDATE
 

The 29-seater, coaster-type bus has arrived on the shores of Jamaica!

Jamaica Chapter Treasurer Joy Speare has indicated the payment of J$2.3 million has now been made to YCite Elgin Holness who sourced the bus for the past students association.

But we are just shy of J$500,000 or approx. US$7,000 (at exchange rate of J$70 to US$1) which we need for the following to drive the bus on the road and through the gates of York Castle High School:

1.       Certificate of Fitness

2.       Insurance

3.       Registration (License)  

(Click here for details on how to contribute)
 
 
  WILLIAM "BILL" CLARKE AWARDED ORDER OF
JAMAICA ON OCTOBER 15, 2007
 
 

On October 15th 2007, Jamaica National Heroes Day Awards ceremony, YCite and Bank of Nova Scotia Managing Director William "Bill" Clarke received the Order of Jamaica (OD).
 (Click for more)
  The seven recipients of the Order of Jamaica, including banker William 'Bill' Clarke (second from right)  
 
 
  JA CHAPTER MEETING ON JUNE 16, 2007
 

VP, Patrick Russell receiving Certificate from President Gerri

Secretary, Vannette Brown receiving certificate from President Gerri

In the true spirit of YCHS, at the Jamaica Chapter meeting on June 16th, President Gerri Sinclair "showed some love" for the 10 past students who went the extra mile to revive the now very active Jamaica Chapter.

The 10 recipients (4 unavoidably not present for the occasion) were:

  • VP Patrick Russell
  • Treasurer Joy Speare
  • Assistant Treasurer Trevor Radway
  • Secretary Vannette Brown
  • Assistant Secretary Evet Walters-Linton
  • Evrod Nam
  • Norma Haughton
  • Neketo Lynch
  • Wade Jackson
  • Victor Rose
Noting that it has now been one year of the Chapter's new administration, President Gerri applauded the Steering Committee for all their effort to ensure that the Jamaica Chapter is once again moving in a direction that all YCites should become a part of. She presented each Steering Committee member in attendance with a certificate rolled and tied with a lovely ribbon. The certificates for those unable to attend were handed out to another Steering Committee member on their behalf. Below is an excerpt from the certificate awarded to these YCites.

"What we give and receive is a demonstration of: our mutual love and caring which assures that we bring the best to one another and encourage the best from one another" York Castle High School Past Students Association-Jamaica Chapter gratefully acknowledges recipient name for his or her demonstration of shared encouragement Signed by Chapter President, Geraldine Sinclair on June 16, 2007.
 
 
 
 
LABOUR DAY PROJECT AT YCHS...... A SUCCESS!
  The project got underway from about 7:30am until 4:30pm with past students from within the parish of St. Ann and as far as Savanna-la-Mar and Kingston. They worked along side current students including first formers, the Principal, Mrs. Beverly Hawthorne, the PTA President, the Bursar, Teachers and Maintenance staff. Not to be outdone was the Canteen chef who made sure that all were satisfied and returned to "labour" after the heavy downpour of rains stopped. At the end of the day, those who were still on hand, gathered on the steps of YC and were given white caps for a picture-taking moment. For more pictures of the event, please browse the website's picture gallery IS THAT YOU from pictures 105 to 150.

   

 
ANNUAL LABOUR DAY PROJECT AT YCHS ON MAY 23, 2007
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Set for York Castle High School...Mark Your Calendar...It is Your Labour Day Project

 
   

 
YCites linking up at 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Montego Bay, Jamaica - in January
 
Seen at the 2007 Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival were several YCites and spouses who got the opportunity to enjoy not only the music but a chance to lyme with each other...some YCites had not seen each other since leaving YCHS.  (Click for more)

 

 
Wayne Jobson keeps reggae rocking globally
In an age where words like 'icon' and 'legend' are casually bandied about. In an age where mediocrity is often being rewarded even at the national level, Wayne Jobson must be ranked among the unsung heroes of reggae music. If you are reading this and find yourself asking who the hell is he or what is his claim to fame, then the point is made.
 (Click for more)
 

 
NEW YORK CHAPTER STEPS UP THE YCHS BUS...DRIVE
Irwine Clare, at right, of the "Big Apple" Chapter hands over cheque for US$7,500.00 ( over J$500,000.00) to First Caribbean International Bank Managing Director Milton Brady (also a YCite) for deposit in the YCHS alumni account for the School Bus "Challenge". The presentation took place last month (December 2006) at the Knutsford Blvd., Kingston Head office of the bank.
 

 

COME ON BOARD - THE CHALLENGE IS LAUNCHED IN BROWN’S TOWN

On Saturday (November 25th 2006) YCites, Brown’s Town & its surrounding community residents came out in support of the public launching of First Caribbean International Bank Managing Director Milton Brady’s Challenge with York Castle High School (YCHS) Past Students Association - Jamaica Chapter to match J$1million towards the purchase of a YCHS bus. The launch occurred despite all the rains in Brown’s Town.

Milton (also a YCite) in his address referred to the foundation laid at YCHS as inspiration for many cherished memories no matter what country or continent he has resided since graduating from YCHS in 1971. He recalled that even when he “had no lunch money while attending YCHS, no one knew I had nothing to eat as I held my head high and smiled”…this character building experience he pointed out always is a reminder for him during his life journey!  (Click for more)
 


 
YC Alumni JA Chapter Meeting held on October 21, 2006 at Ocean's 11 in Ocho Rios.
   


FirstCaribbean Issues Challenge to
York Castle Alumni

 
FirstCaribbean International Bank has issued a challenge to York
Castle High School (YCHS) alumni to make contributions, which the Bank will match up to J$1 million for the purchase of a school bus. The challenge by FirstCaribbean is in response to the call by YCHS Past Students Association –Jamaica Chapter, in their fundraising effort for the school bus drive.

Managing Director of FirstCaribbean International Bank, Milton Brady, himself a former student of York Castle High School, sees this as an excellent opportunity for alumni to give back to the institution that has shaped their lives: “I am indebted to YC because the school provided me with a sound academic platform on which to build my graduate and post-graduate education. But more importantly, the institution instilled in me a strong sense of pride and sound moral and ethical values, which have helped me throughout my career as well as in my personal life. I am happy to be in a position to give something back”. (Click for more)

 
 
 


NY Group To Make Post Hurricane Contribution To Grenada

CaribPR Newswire, Tues. Aug. 15, 2006: ‘Team Jamaica Hurricane Ivan Relief”
representative, Irwine Clare , is set present $10,000 to the Sab Pre-School in
Grenada on August 22, 2006. (Click for more)
 
 


YCite Larry Chang has written a book

YCite Larry Chang now residing in Washington DC has a book out, "Wisdom for the Soul"
with a website of similar name www.wisdomforthesoul.org .
 
 

Website for YC Past Students

Welcome to the York Castle Past Students website!!!
The website is all about keeping the vibes going for our beloved York Castle High School in Brown’s Town, St. Ann, Jamaica. Let us all participate with any contribution you may have to www.ycalumni.org

 

 
JUS CHEERS Owner, YCite
Wade Jackson holding
Red Stripe bottle at the
2005 YC Reunion event… other
YCites are in background.
 


 
 
Founders' Day

YCHS Founders' Day Celebration, held annually in January at the school, is organized by the school administration and the school's Board with current Chairman the Rev. Byron Chambers. Former Past Students included on the current YCHS Board are:

  • Cindo Nicholson
     
  • Evrod Nam
     
  • Joy Speare
     
  • Lewis Campbell
     
  • Martin Gooden










 
 
More YCites receive National Awards

Entertainer/singer Ernie Smith as well the Hotel Industry’s Jeff McKitty have been named as two of this year’s awardees to receive Jamaica ’s Order of Distinction (OD).  

 For more information browse the following links:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

 
 

Congratulations Burchell Whiteman, OJ!!!

Mr. Whiteman was recently conferred with the national honour of Order of Jamaica (OJ). The Order of Jamaica (OJ) is conferred on Jamaican citizens of outstanding distinction.

On behalf of York Castle High School Past Students Association - Jamaica Chapter, we are very proud of your achievement Mr. Whiteman (former teacher & Headmaster of YC).

For more information browse the following link:
 http://jamaicaobserver.com
 
 
Donations from YCite Bill Clarke
Announcement was made of J$500,000 for computer equipment at YC being donated by Scotia Bank with its Managing Director, YCite William "Bill" Clarke. 

For more information browse the following link: http://jamaicaobserver.com 
 
 

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