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-Western Grandstand- STETHS …the school with the master plan
December 12, 2015
Whereas I am not a supporter of St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), in the strictest sense of the word, I can fairly say I have always been an admirer of the school because of the great emphasis it places on operating as a cohesive family.
Unlike some schools, where one gets the impression that the principal and teachers are just there for the pay cheques, and students attending because they have no choice, one gets the impression that, at STETHS, it is one big family, working together for the common good.
Whereas I can't speak with any authority on STETHS' academic acumen, except to say that the school has turned out numerous distinguished Jamaicans, in the area of sports there is absolutely no question that STETHS stands tall in terms of exceptional accomplishments.
Be it Headley Cup cricket, daCosta Cup football, netball or the Boys and Girls Athletics Championship, STETHS have always been a dominant force, dating back many years. In terms of churning out class athletes, especially in cricket, they are in a league of their own.
Last Saturday, STETHS won their fifth daCosta Cup title, beating Dinthill Technical 1-0 in the final. Looking back to the start of the season, one can't help but admit that after their inauspicious start to the season, had it not been for depth of character and organisational machinery, STETHS might not have advanced to the competition's inter-zone.
united effort
Unlike many schools, where sport is basically the prerogative of coaches and physical education teachers, at STETHS, it's everybody's business. From the principal down to the canteen staff, to past students and Santa Cruz community, there is one united effort to ensure students do well.
Despite their 'all hands on deck' modus operandi at STETHS, I nonetheless believe special commendations are in order for the school's principal, Keith Wellington. His enviable lead-from-the-front approach is indeed, a source of admiration and inspiration. Be it football cricket, netball or Champs, Wellington is always there, motivating students and supporting coaches.
Although one would not want to take away any of the sheen from football coach Omar 'Rambo' Wedderburn's glory, since there is no question that he is a fantastic young coach, I believe his technical adviser, Wendell Downswell, a distinguished past student of STETHS, should also be singled out.
I believe, with STETHS' approach to all-round development of its students working well, other schools should not think twice about copying, if not totally adopting, what is a productive model.
Clearly, if the aim of every school is to produce well-rounded students, snapping up such a blueprint must be a worthwhile endeavour.
Personally, I would like to see more of our high schools really make a concerted effort to make the mark in all aspects of students' lives. It is clear, based on the evidence of some of the sporting talents that Jamaica has produced in recent years, that academics is not the only gateway to success.
