Rhudal McFarlane, principal of Cambridge High School in St. James, has been instrumental in providing the school with an additional 28 new classrooms. - file

Nestled in the cool hills of St James, about one kilometre west of the township of Cambridge and approximately 20 kilometres from the parish capital - Montego Bay - is a remarkable educational institution, Cambridge High School.

In November 1976, it opened its doors to the community as a co-educational institution, to serve southern St. James, sections of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth.

The first principal, Christopher Anderson, and the then chairman, the late Rudolph Scarlett, administered the affairs of the institution for a student population of just over 540. On Mr. Anderson's migration in 1980, Leonard Haughton succeeded him and served until January 1983. After his departure, the now reigning principal, Rhudal Victor McFarlane, assumed the mantle and has been competently managing the affairs of the 30-year-old institution.

On Sunday, April 29, the school celebrated its 30th anniversary. A thanksgiving service was held in the school's auditorium to mark the significant milestone of excellent service to the nation. Embracing the school's motto, the theme for this event was: 'Educating our Nation's Children as we Unite and Work for Progress'.

Accomplishments

Mr. McFarlane, in his brief report, mentioned that the school's current enrolment stands at over 1,730 students. In order to accommodate this rapidly increasing population, Mr. McFarlane, during his tenure, has been instrumental in providing the school with an additional 28 new classrooms. Among his other accomplishments is the inclusion of chemistry, biology, geography, information technology and business administration in the school's curriculum.

Sharing in this momentous occasion was Member of Parliament for South St. James, Derrick Kellier, who in his address lauded the school's achievement.

Mr. Kellier told those in attendance that education was the only tool that could be used to fight poverty.

Guest speaker Reverend Devere Nugent, pastor of the St. Leonard's Circuit of Baptist Churches, challenged the educators at the institution to prepare students not only for academic achievement but to foster the development of integrity. He said integrity was an important attribute lacking in today's society.

Among the culminating activities for the evening's celebration was the awarding of significant stakeholders whose generous support over the years had helped to enhance the diverse programmes undertaken by the school.

The Past Students' Association also made presentations of long service awards to all categories of workers with over 20 years' service.