Hall of Fame

Induction into the Ardenne Alumni Hall of Fame or being presented with the distinguished Alumni Achievement Award is the highest award that can be presented to an individual by the Ardenne Alumni Association.

The Hall of Fame was established and developed as a means of recognizing those alumni who stand out because of the excellence they have attained. The aim is to highlight the achievements of the awardees and in so doing create a greater recognition of Ardenne as an institution of excellence and at the same time provide role models for present and future Ardenne students.

To be selected for the Hall of Fame an alumnus must have attended Ardenne for at least the last two years of high school and must have made significant contribution to his or her profession, community or the wider society (emphasis is of course placed on the support for Ardenne and the Alumni Association).
Introduction into the Hall of Fame occurs every five years and coincides with the celebration of Homecoming. Three persons are inducted on each occasion.
In 2002 to coincide with the celebration of the school's 75th Anniversary and Homecoming 2002, another five persons were inducted. These were: Dr. Veta Lewis, Lloyd Chuck, Dr. Melvyn Hester, Cecile Skinner-Phillip and Ezra Engling.

Rev. Venice Guntley

Venice Guntley attended Ardenne High School from 1953- 1959. Upon graduating, she attended the St. Peter's Theological College and the Anglican Diocese. After completing her three years studies, she then moved on to Canada to undertake Christian Education Studies and gain experience in youth work. Upon her return to Jamaica in 1966 she was assigned as the organizing secretary for “The Daughters of the King”, an organization for women and girls in the Anglican Church. This led to her ordination as Deaconess in 1968. Her preparation for missionary work was undertaken in 1970 at the Lilongwe Teachers College in Malawi, where she learnt the African Language, Chinyanja. After her preparation she did missionary work in Zambia. In 1966 she returned to Canada where she studied at York University Glendon College: The Ontario institute for Studies - University of Toronto and Trinity College — University of Toronto. She gained the B.A. (Hons.) Degree in Sociology and English; the Bachelors Degree in Education, the Master of Education Degree in Adult Education and Counselling, and the Master of Divinity. In 1983 she began her career with the Military which culminated with her appointment as Chaplain to the Canadian Military Service. She is the first Anglican woman to have attained the post. Venice Guntley was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Dr. Doris Channer-Watson

Doris Channer-Watson completed her first degree at the University of the West Indies and from there she moved to the College of London to do her M.B.H.S. which she completed in February 1962. Upon completion, she returned to Jamaica and served tenure at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. She then migrated to the United States where she did a residency in obstetrics and gynaecology at Mount Sinai Hospital. By 1970, she had passed the Federal Licensing Examination (FLEX) which provided her with the opportunity to practice medicine in any State. In 1971, Dr. Channer-Watson returned to Jamaica and opened a medical centre in Montego Bay. The centre caters for practical nurse training, social outreach and it houses a Day Care and Basic School. She has received numerous awards including the Governor General Award in 1993, the Services Award for 1994 and for her unwavering involvement in community service she received the Red Cross Award in 1984. Married, with three children and five grandchildren, Dr. Channer-Watson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Dr. Verna Brooks-McKenzie

Dr. Brooks-McKenzie attended Ardenne from 1964-1970 and as a member of the Noel Dexter lead choir she received a silver medal in song and music in The Jamaica Fcstival Competition. After completing her studies at Ardenne, she did a Pre-med course, which she completed by 1971. She received a Jamaica Government Scholarship and in 1972 matriculated at the University of the West Indies (U.W.I.), entering the M.B.B.S. programme which she completed by 1979 graduating with Honours in Obstetrics & Gynaecologv. Her Doctor of Medicine in Obstetrics & Gynaecology was also granted by U.W.I. Since then, she has spearheaded a career spanning 27 years of service to several associations, serving in a number of positions. She has also participated in a number of international conferences, such as her role of Ambassador to the Women's Conference in Beijing, China. Currently, she is founder and managing director of the Mandeville Menopause Centre. Additionally, she is one of three Jamaican national practitioners who are certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and is president of the Caribbean Menopause Society. In recognition of her commitment to women’s affairs, Dr. Verna Brooks-Mckenzie, an alumna who has kept “The Torch” ablaze, was inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 5. 1997.

Mrs. Vilma McDonald

Vilma McDonald graduated from Ardenne High School in 1957. She then participated in several training programmes and in 1986 completed studies at the Australian Training Institute. She has held a variety of executive posts in several government ministries including the Ministry of Security, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education. She has served as financial controller for a number of local and international events and organizations including:
* 1975 – 76 CARIFESTA’76
* 1979 - Inter-American Development Bank
* Ministry of National Security
* 1980 The African, Caribbean and Pacific Conference (Hosted by the Ministry of Foreign    Affairs)
* The Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea
* The Inter-American Council for Education, Science and Culture.
She enjoys netball, music and gardening and has served as the longest serving captain of the Jamaica Netball Team. She was also the president of the Jamaica Netball Association (1982-83) and president of the Kingston Lioness Club 1987-88.
Vilma McDonald was inducted in the Ardenne Alumni Hall of Fame in 1998.

Ms. Winsome Miller

Ms. Winsome E. Miller, founder and managing director of Multi-Resource Associates (Ja) Limited is proud to call the Ardenne High School her alma mater. After Ardenne, she attended Anderson University Indiana, U.S.A. where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1964 with a major in History and two minors in Spanish and English. In 1964 she graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, where she obtained a Diploma in Education (Distinction in Practice of Education). In 1968 she attended a French university called The Sorbonne, Paris, Frances where she received a Diploma in French Language and Civilization.
Presently, Ms. Miller who is affiliated with the Jamaica Observer Ltd. is a producer of the Tuesday language page in the “Education Observer”- Learn a New Language, an ongoing beginners' language conversation series in Spanish and French. The Observer submitted this program for a media award. She served as a resource person, conducting workshops
with teachers for the PALS programme and at the inception of the programme was one of the writers of the teachers' manuals and student workbooks.
 

Dr. E. M. Claire Gayle

E.M. Claire Gayle attended Ardenne High School from 1929- 1932 at a time when the institution was located at High Holborn Street and called Jamaica Bible Institute. She studied under Ms. Nellie Olson, Principal. Upon graduating, she was offered a teaching post at the school, which she accepted. She taught English, Mathematics and Art. This began her 44 years tenure with Ardenne. In 1948 she attended Anderson College Church of God College in Indiana to study on scholarship. She successfully attained a Bachelors Degree in English and Education. Immediately following Anderson, she went on to study for her Master’s Degree at Indiana University, emphasizing the areas of Administration and Guidance. Between l960 and 1963, she chaired the Department of Humanities, Warner Pacific College, and Portland Oregon. Upon completion of this assignment she returned to Ardenne as Vice Principal. In 1969 she became Principal, resigning in 1978 to accept the post of Principal at Excelsior, North Street, a Special Education Institution catering to the needs of repeating students. She has given or her time and talent to a number of organizations and groups in her church and profession. E.M. Claire Gayle was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mr. Winston Roberts

Winston Somerville Roberts attended Ardenne High from 1949 to 1955. As an ardent student, he was very active in extra-curricular activities and several of the posts he held were Head Boy, President of the Students' Council and the Inter-Schools Christian Fellowship (ISCF). Upon completion of his studies at Ardenne, Roberts went to the United States where he attended Anderson and Indiana Universities, acquiring both a B.Sc. in Biology Education and a B.A. in Psychology. While there, he received the Sigma Zeta award and recognition from the Science Honour Society. Roberts’ professional career was centred on the promotion of quality education and after lecturing for two years in Biology and Entomology at Anderson University, he returned to his secondary school Alma Mater to teach Biology as well as Psychology in Sixth form. He was actively involved in the promotion of science as Head of the Science Department. Roberts was also active in the Photography Club. His presence was not only limited to the classroom, as he served in management positions as Vice-Principal and Principal and his administrative role culminated with him serving as Principal from 1996-1998. Undoubtedly, Ardenne and the Alumni Association have confirmed that they are appreciative or the efforts of Winston Roberts when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Mary Olsen-Bailey

Mary Olson-Bailey is the daughter of the Ardenne High School founders and Church of God Missionaries, George and Nellie Olson. She was born in Jamaica in 1913, the third of three children with older brothers Nathan and Daniel. Mary Olson-Bailey attended private school and then went on to attend Wolmer’s Girls' School before transferring to Ardenne High School the year following its founding. Upon graduating from Ardenne, she attained the B.A. Degree from the University of Minnesota, a Bachelors Theology Degree from Anderson College and a M.Sc. Degree in Education from Butler University. Returning to Jamaica, she taught at Ardenne High School and eventually succeeded her mother as principal in l945 Mary Olson-Bailey was the second principal of Ardenne and served until her retirement in 1969. She was devoted in her love to Ardenne and to all those, whose ambitions converged with the objectives or her beloved school. After leaving Ardenne, she got married to Max Bailey. Mary Olson-Bailey was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mr. Karl Samuda

Karl Samuda attended Ardenne High School in the mid l950s. He went on to do further studies at Lisgar College and the University of Ottawa. He has held senior management positions with major firms including Alcan Jamaica Limited, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Industrial Gases Limited and National Woodcraft Limited. He has distinguished himself in the field of Politics as Deputy General Secretary or the Jamaica Labour Party. Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, He has also served as a member of the Electoral Advisory Committee. A practising Roman Catholic, Karl Samuda is married with three sons. His motto is “There is no substitute for hard work.” Karl Samuda as inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mr. Dean Burrows

Dean Burrowes attended Ardenne High School from 1964-1971. He was the Deputy Head Boy from 1970-71 and a member of the track team and the Manning Cup Football team. After Ardenne he went to the College of Arts Science and Technology where he obtained a Diploma in Construction Management and passes in the Institute of Building Licentiate Examination (LIOB). In 1977 Dean obtained a British Council Fellowship that enabled him to pursue a B.Sc. Degree in Quantity Surveying at The University of Greenwich (formerly Thames Polytechnic) in England. Upon returning to Jamaica Dean lectured in Building Economics at the College of Arts Science and Technology before moving to the private sector. In 1986, he became one of the founding partners of Burrowes and Wallace, Quantity Surveyors and Building Economists. Dean has served as President of the Alumni Association and presently, he serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee on the School Board. Dean was integrally involved in the construction of the Roy Ebanks Block and the extension of the Sixth form and staff room blocks. He has served as President of the Kiwanis Club and as a Sunday School teacher. He is married to Olive-Jean and they have two sons, Gareth and Gordon-Brett, both Ardennites. Mr. Dean Burrowes was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Hall of Fame in 1997.

Mr. Paul Barnett

Paul Barnett attended Ardenne High School from 1959-1964. He later migrated to Toronto to pursue further studies at Sheridan College from which he graduated in 1979 with a Diploma in Business Administration. He joined Dominion Securities Inc., the largest investment firm in Canada in 1979 as a Junior Internal Auditor and by steady progress has attained a position on the Operation Management team. In his professional capacity, he has responsibility for the worldwide securities records of his company; advises numerous companies on investment problems and serves on internal committees such as those dealing mergers and systems applications. Paul Barnett also devotes much time to church and volunteer activities. He serves as deacon and youth director Calvary Baptist Church in Oakville, coaches a minor league soccer team, and assists the fund raising efforts of the United Appeal Committee which supports charities throughout Canada. Importantly he heads the Toronto Ardenne Past Student Chapter and under his leadership Ardenne High School has benefitted from the gift of a bus: a dream which the school has had for as long as anyone can remember. He is a family man with wife, Sonia, and three children. He was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Hall of Fame in July 1987.

Dr. Halda Shaw

Dr. Shaw attended Ardenne High School from 1951-1957. While there he served as a prefect, captained the first Ardenne Sunlight Cup cricket team and was the valedictorian for the Graduating Class of 1957. After leaving Ardenne he went to Howard University in Washington D.C., where he obtained the B.Sc. Degree in Natural Sciences in 1962. In 1963 he attended Howard Dental School with the help of a Jamaica Government Scholarship. He graduated in 1967 and went on to do specialist studies in Dentistry. In 1968 he returned to Jamaica and worked as a Dental Surgeon in West St. Thomas. Further studies at the University of the West Indies and in London led to the MBBS Degree in 1972. His academic studies continued for yet another five years as he qualified himself as an Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgeon. He obtained his Master of Surgery Degree in 1977.

Some of his many involvements include membership in the: Association of Surgeons. New York Academy of Sciences, American Society of Hypnosis (Clinical and Experimental) and also consultant to Kingston Public Hospital, Bustamante Hospital and the University of the West Indies Hospital. Dr. Shaw is a husband and a father. He was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mr. Vin Kelly

Vin Kelly attended Ardenne High School from 1954-1957. He joined the Jamaica Information Service in 1959, where he received valuable training under programmes funded by the USAID and the United Kingdom Technical Assistance Fund. He attained the prestigious film industry designation MBKS (Member British Cinematograph Sound and Television Society). With these solid accomplishments he was elevated to the position of film director and editor at J.I.S. From the J.I.S. he went on to be the executive producer of T.V. at Pearl and Dean Advertising for two years, then in 1969 he served in a similar post at the well known international advertising and public relations firm, Kenvon, Erkhardt, Coleman, Prentice and Varley. In the late 1970's he along with a partner, took over ownership of the Company. He has had the opportunity to write, produce and score music for his own films and in the early 1960’s, he wrote the Ardenne school song. He is a founding member of the Ardenne Alumni Association, a husband and father. Vin Kelly was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Dr. Veta Lewis

Dr. Veta Lewis was attending Ardenne High School while Mrs. Mary Olson-Bailey was still the headmistress. Her educational background after that period includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. English and History from the University of London and she completed
her academic studies with a Ph.D. in Occupational Education from Southern Illinois University. She was the first female Dean of Education at the University of Technology (UTECH) and serves as Public Orator for the institution. She is also the only female Orator for a University in the Caribbean. As an educator she specializes in curriculum and personal development, educational methodology and psychology. Her awards for involvement in this field, includes the Technical Education Department Outstanding Service Award in 1982 and the UTECH Students’ Union award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life which she received in 1998. Veta Lewis also served as an administrator and she is involved in seminars and workshops at various institutions in Jamaica. Lewis has done extensive research in educational development and has a number of publications. As an inductee in the Ardenne Hall of Fame in 2002, Dr. Veta Lewis is especially proud about the Christian values that Ardenne endorses, this has assisted in promoting the wholistic development of the student.

Mr. Llyod Chuck

Lloyd Chuck graduated from Ardenne in 1962 and went on to work briefly as an X-Ray technician at the Kingston Public Hospital. Thereafter, he was recruited by the ESSO West Indies Kingston Refinery where he successfully completed a course in Process Operation and worked on the area of Fractional Distillation at the plant. In 1965 he migrated to Toronto Canada, where he enrolled at York University to do the Bachelor of Arts in Economics which he completed in 1967. While at York, he became an activist for the human rights and peace movement. Upon graduation he pursued n career in Real Estate and Investments. He is currently developing a business in Angola in the diamond and mining industry. Affectionately known as Chucky” by fellow Alumni, he has made several contributions to the school and the Alumni Association. He was instrumental in starting the first Ardenne Past Students’ Association in Jamaica in 1963. In 1982 he helped launch the Toronto Chapter and has served as President for 3 terms. He has served on the committee for the financing of the Joyce Britton Scholarship fund and the Investment Club “Lignum Holding Investment”, which provide financial assistance to the Alumni Association. In recognition of his involvement in these and other community service projects, he was enlisted in the Ardenne’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dr. Melvyn Hester

After graduating from Ardenne, Dr. Melvyn Hester went on to gain a Bachelors Degree from Anderson College, a Master of Arts Degree from Indiana University, and a Master of Science Degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work. He embarked on a career in social work, public service and public administration. He also attended the New York Theological Seminary as well as the New York School for Social Research where he did studies in Electronic Data Processing and Management Information Systems Development. Rev. Hester has also served as a lecturer at several universities. During his years as social services professional, public official and teacher, he had been an active member and leader in the Church of God of Anderson, Indiana. It was therefore not surprising when, in 1993. He heeded the call to plant a new church in the Mount Vernon area, where he served as Senior Pastor until his death. In May 2000, Anderson University awarded him with the honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Rev. Hester was a member of the New York Chapter of the Ardenne Alumni Association where he served as a vice-president. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dr. Cecile Skinner-Phillip

Cecile Skinner-Phillip completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Howard University, specializing in Zoology. She then embarked on a career in the field of Dentistry, attaining her Doctor of Dental Surgeon (D.D.S.) in 1977, to the Ph.D. in Anatomy, which she achieved in 2000. She has made significant contributions to her profession in the areas of clinical practice, education and research. She has practised dentistry with dedication, compassion and a deep respect for everyone, in both private and public facilities. Since 198() she has been carrying out research on the “Lateral Pterygoid Muscle” at her Alma Mater. Howard University. She has published in various scientific journals. She has also given sterling service to her community through projects in schools such as health fairs which are aimed at promoting health and well being among students. As a member of the Washington /Maryland Chapter of the Ardenne Alumni Association, she has been involved in fundraising efforts for Ardenne High. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
 

Dr. Ezra Engling

Ezra Engling graduated from Ardenne High School in 1977 where he developed an interest in Literature, Languages and the Arts. During the academic year 1976-77, he served as Deputy Head Boy. In 1980, he completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish/English at the University of the West Indies (U.W.1) and in 1986 retuned to claim the Master of Arts and Ph.D. programme in Spanish. In achieving this, he earned the distinction of being the second student to complete a Ph.D. in Spanish at the Mona campus or U.W.I. he began teaching Spanish at his Alma Mater, Ardenne High School, and at several other high schools as well as universities in the United States, he was Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Languages at Lincoln University. In 2001, he moved on to Texas A&M University where he worked as Professor of Spanish, Department of Language and Literature. He has won various scholarships, awards and grants such as the Senior Fulbright Research Fellow based on the topic ‘The Moro - Hispanic Connection from African Perspective: the representation of Moorish characters in G.A. Literature’. He is the author of a critical edition of Calderon’s La Aurora en Copacabana. He has also travelled widely and speaks several languages fluently. Ezra S. Engling was inducted into the Ardenne Hall of Fame in 2002.

Mrs. Pamela Harrison

Pamela Harrison attended Ardenne High School from 1949 – 1955. She later attended St. Francis College where she obtained a B.Sc. Degree, and the University of the West Indies Mona, where she attained a distinction in the Diploma of Education Programme. She has enjoyed a long rewarding career as an educator, having served as a science teacher at Alpha Academy, Manchester High School, and St. Hilda’s, where she eventually became principal. Since 1984, she has been principal at Wolmer’s, one of Jamaica's most highly recognized Girls Schools. Outside of her work as a principal she has served on numerous bodies including the Diocesan Education and Youth Board as Board Member and also as a member of the UNESCO Commission.

She has played an active role in community development projects and fund raising activities for charitable organizations. She has been the proud recipient of the Science Teachers’ Association Award for Meritorious Services and the Prime Minister's medal for appreciation in the field of education. She is a member of the St. Judes Anglican Church, married to a former Ardenne Head Boy and mother of two. Pamela Harrison was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Dr. Henley Morgan

Dr. Henley Morgan attended Ardenne High School during 1962-1967. Upon graduating, he left for the United States. While there he attained the Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and Biology; Masters in Industrial Administration and Doctorate in Industrial Education. His professional career has included senior management and executive posts with the Miller Brewing Company in the United States and Desnoes and Geddes and Estate Industries Limited (manufacturers of Tia Maria) in Jamaica. Since 1984 he has practised as a professional consultant and had worked for private sector firms and governments in the Caribbean and South America as well as for international funding and development agencies such as United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). He also lectures at the Jamaica Institute of Management and sits on various Boards and committees.

He is the founder and first president of the Ardenne Alumni Association. He is married and a deacon in the Baptist Denomination. Dr. Henley Morgan was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Ms. Joyce Britton

Joyce Briton attended Ardenne High School from 1949-1954. Upon graduating, she joined the staff of Ardenne as a teacher of Bible Knowledge before moving on to Ferncourt High School in a similar capacity. She later left the classroom to work for the Ministry of Education. Here she had the privilege of working under a distinguished Jamaican who later became the Governor General. After four years with the Ministry, she left the island in 1960 to study at Juliard under scholarship from the Jamaica Philharmonic Orchestra. Later she went on to Italy for further training on a Jamaica Government Scholarship. She returned to Jamaica in 1972 for three (3) years during which time she taught at the Jamaica School of Music and contributed to the development of many of today’s accomplished artists.

In 1972 she accepted a post as Music Teacher at Western University, Ontario. When her tenure was completed she moved to Toronto where she now teaches music. Local critics have on occasion described her as Jamaica's foremost Soprano and by taking her vocal talent to the great concert halls of the world she has proven herself a dedicated and effective ambassador of Jamaica and Ardenne. Joyce Britton was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame in 1987.

Dr. Millicent Ferguson Comrie

Dr. Millicent Ferguson-Comrie attended Ardenne High School from 1960 to 1967 where she distinguished herself in extra-curricular activities serving as class prefect and playing on the school's netball team. From Ardenne, she attended the University of the West Indies before going to Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland and then to Howard (University in Washington. D.C. where she received the Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude. She continued her professional education at State University of New York College of Medicine where she achieved the credential: Doctor or Medicine, in 1976. She again immersed herself in study, attending the Columbia University School of Public Health and was awarded the Masters in Public Health degree in 1982. She specializes in the disciplines of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Maternal and Infant Care, and Family Planning and she has held several positions at a number of hospitals. She is currently the owner of a vibrant practice in Brooklyn, New York. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, she has used her financial resources to support social causes including Ardenne High, where a fund was established for needy students. As a distinguished alumna, an outstanding professional and an exemplary community worker, she was inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Hall of Fame in 1997.