IN THE SPOTLIGHT

EXCELSIOR ALUMNA MAKING WAVES IN BARBADOS
By Kent Layne | Barbados Today
Friday, October 27, 2023

Excelsorian Annette Campbell- Harper (XLCR’77) is looking to make it to the top of Barbados’ horse racing. The retired corporate banker took a major step in fulfilling that goal by opening the island’s newest horse racing farm, sitting on 2.5 acres at Barrows, St Lucy.

During an opening ceremony held recently at the facility, Campbell-Harper outlined her plans for her new operation, saying she is looking to become the first lady of African descent to breed a Barbados Derby winner.

PHOTO -Annette Camp-Harper (C) Flanked By Four Of Her Children Following Opening Ceremony.

CONGRATS TO ALUMNA CAROL AINA

Friday, October 13, 2023

As she helps to shepherd the Norman Manley Law School in its ongoing commemoration of its 50th anniversary of existence, Principal, Carol Aina (XLCR ’76), gave remarks during which she shared “the enviable” accomplishments of the institution and why the NMLS enjoys such a renowned reputation among law schools the world over.

90 XLCR GRADE 9 STUDENTS PASS CSEC MATHS
By Duane Coombs
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Is Excelsior High School the cradle of high school Maths education in Jamaica?
A persuasive case is being made as a cohort of Grade 9 students -Third Formers- again punched above their weight in registering an almost 90 % pass rate in the recent regional 2023 CSEC Mathematics Examinations.

Of 106 students who were sent up as early candidates by Excelsior to take the school-leaving Examination, 90 were successful, with more than half of those garnering passes with either distinction or credit. The CSEC, the rough equivalent of the old GCE O’Level Examination is usually done by 11th Graders (5th Formers)
How impressive was the performance of these Grade 9 (Third Form) students in the regional Exams?

Their almost 90% pass rate was considerably above the national average of 49%. Excelsior’s overall pass rate, (including all candidates) was 53%. Even more impressive, it easily outstripped the regional average of 43%.

As outstanding as it still is, this year’s performance is actually a slight retreat from Excelsior’s consistently lofty standards since the first cohort of Grade 9 students sat the Examinations 5 years ago. Pre-COVID, it was not unusual for Excelsior to register close to a 100% pass rate among the Grade 9 cohort.

This year’s sterling performance comes against the background of Jamaica’s CSEC mathematics passes trending downward over the last five years. According to published reports, the national pass rate fell to an alarming 37 per cent last year. With its relatively commendable performance, Excelsior High School continues to lead the way in trying to arrest this downward spiral.
Excelsior’s stakeholders are hoping that the school’s success in Maths and other disciplines will help in its quest to reclaim its perch in the high school education landscape.
Photo: Mrs. Sylvia Green and some of the former Grade 9 students

LUMNUS JOAN THOMAS EDWARDS PRESENTS CREDENTIAL TO SOUTH AFRICA’S PRESIDENT
By Duane Coombs
Tuesday, October 1, 2023

Ambassador Joan Edwards Thomas (XLCR’83), Jamaica’s High Commissioner to South Africa earlier today (3pm SA/8:00 am JA) presented her credentials to South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa during a formal ceremony which was televised live on South African national television stations.

In addressing President Ramaphosa, in presenting her credentials she said “Your Excellency, I greet you in One Love Jamaica”

In Her new role, Mrs. Joan Thomas Edwards, who assumed her official duties on April 1, 2023, has jurisdiction over Jamaica’s relations with 18 countries in Southern and East Africa.

Prior to her latest diplomatic assignment as Jamaica’s chief envoy to South Africa, she held a number of high-profile posts in Jamaica’s diplomatic corps including as a Deputy High Commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission in London. Acting High Commissioner at the Jamaican High Commission in Pretoria, Counsellor/Alternate Representative to the United Nations, New York, and concurrently to the United Nations Security Council, and First Secretary/Consul at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC.

We wish this Excelsior Eagle all the best as she continues to soar Yet Higher in representing Jamaica’s interest in the international sphere.

AGE ANIMO!

LATE “BANKY” GORDON: BRILLIANT SPORTSMAN, CORPORATE EXEC
By Sanjay Myers | Jamaica Observer
Sunday, July 21, 2023

BANCROFT “Banky” Gordon, who passed away suddenly on Tuesday during a visit to Jamaica, was regarded by people who knew him well as a “great” man with an astute mind, a kind heart, and a humble soul.