Catalina Hawley, one of the main organizers of the 1st Annual Anguilla Golf Classic, sent me an invitation to attend the various festivities surrounding this fundraising event for the Teacher Gloria Omololu Institute. As readers will see in this week’s edition of The Anguillian, there is an article that describes in detail the event as well as highlights various sponsors, organizers and awardees. Once again, like other golf events in the past, there was an outpour of people who not only played but many sponsors who generously gave as well. The Institute is well publicized locally and there would hardly be anyone who has not heard of it. Yet, in reading through the literature given out at the various events, it became more apparent that there is more to this place than just a private school.

Jason Allen

One of the many adjectives that cross my mind when reflecting on the schools is ‘innovative.’ It is definitely different than any other school in Anguilla and its dividends can be seen in the school alumni that move on to the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School. Students who attend the school seem to be on a whole different level not only in the academic realm but in their all around demeanour. I have personally had a great deal of interaction with the staff at the school and there is one thing they all share in common: a passion for life and beautiful smiles. The passion I see in them on a daily basis is without a doubt transcended into the classroom. Moreover, in reviewing their website, all of the teachers at the school have at least a Bachelors Degree in their related fields. Jahi Rohrer, Principal, and the new Deputy Director of the School, Ms. Johane Ligonde, both have advanced Master’s Degrees in Education. Even more, we all know that the school’s Executive Director, Dr. Linda Banks, has a PhD in clinical psychology and a long-standing career in education. The staff combines passion with top notch expertise and for that reason they have been able to show results.
It is obvious why the school receives so much support but, like many other private schools, the support must continue. The directors and the staff of the TGOI are endeavouring to do great things by attempting to provide scholarships as well as build a new school. In today’s world, it is getting tougher and tougher to get ahead, but dreams are still alive and in this case, alive and well. I wish them all the best in their fundraising and urge them to keep up the great work they are doing for the community.

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