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.

The ceremony began with cadets from YCHS marching in formation and then hoisting on the school's entranceway flagpole the Jamaican Flag after which all in attendance sang the Jamaica National Anthem " Eternal Father Bless Our Land". What a way to salute an awesome achievement by so many for the noble institution, York Castle High School , which for the first time in its 50-year history was getting a school bus.

YCHS Chaplin and school Board Vice-Chairman, Rev. Stephen Mullings' resounding invocation and blessing of the school bus provided many with a moment of reflection.

As the attached programme shows, greetings almost in synergy were appealing to the current students to remember the school's motto " NIL SINE MAGNO LABORE" of which the purchase and hand-over of the school bus truly illustrates…"nothing is achieved without hard work". The greetings were delivered by:

• YCHS Principal, Mrs. Beverly Hawthorne
• FCIB Managing Director & YCite Mr. Milton Brady
• Past Student Association-Jamaica Chapter representative Mr. Rey Smith

Unfortunately, the PTA President Mr. Creighton Knight who should have spoken was unavoidable absent.

When the hand-over of the keys to the Principal were done by YCite Elgin Holness who had sourced the bus with insurance provided by YCite Gilbert McDonald, cheers of excitement occurred. So much so that when the Vote of Thanks began with YCite Jen Clare leading all in song to "We Are All In This Thing Together…We Got To Work It Out…Work It Out", it complimented the Past Students Association-Jamaica Chapter Vice-President Patrick Russell officiating at the ceremony.

It should be noted that with the dedication and hard work of YCite Joy Speare also a school Board member and administrative staff member, a garage to house the school bus is being constructed next to the carport at the side of the school. Much thanks for their donations was given to the YCHS Past Students Association Chapters from New York/Florida led by Irwine Clare and Orlando "Ruddy" Schaaffe; and, Toronto led by Norma Brown, Winston McNaughton, June Bygrave as well as Valerie James-Coker.

Refreshments were provided after the official ceremony and gave all a further opportunity to check out the bus. Please view the attached picture of the York Castle High School bus (photographed by Rey Smith) with its fantastic artwork design by YCite Clement "Jimmy" Lawrence.