St Kitts and Nevis High Commissioner, Cedric Harper (second left), along with son, Douglas, and daughter, Andrene (second right), accept a posthumous award for Dr Barbara Lyle-Harper from Dr Verna Reid, president of the Wolmer's Girls' Alumnae. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

There's a certain magic that unfolds when alumnae get together. Whether it's the memories of the good old days, or just a sense of renewal at seeing your fellow classmates after years of no contact, it is quite a sight to behold. And that was the type of magic at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Friday, April 24, as the Wolmer's Girls' Alumnae's (WGA) centenary dinner, dance and awards banquet.

That it was 100 years of the association made the evening that more special and the ballroom was awash with maroon and gold (the school colours), as past students mingled with current students. And the old girls were not alone; the men were not to be left out as a few old boys made their presence felt as well.

Eight outstanding women were honoured for their service to school and country. They were Norma Brown-Bell (who was also compere), Olga Geoghagen, Sonja Hurd, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Shirley Maynier-Burke, Hazel Richardson as well as Dr Barbara Lyle-Harper and Gloria Thompson (both posthumously). The WGA Scholarship Fund was also officially established, much of the initial funds coming from the sale of In the Light of the Sun, the Story of Wolmer's Girls School, a book on the history of the school.

Errol Lee and The Bare Essentials Band (preceded by an eclectic performance by Dr Paulette Bellamy and her protégé Rochelle Haynes), gave the audience exactly what it needed to complete the evening, good music to the keep the good vibes going.

Guests out included Sherry-Ann McGregor, Marguerite Orane, Coleen Brown Jackson, Maxine Simpson, Major Marlon Case, Milton Samuda, Eleanor Jones, Rev Sophie Azan, Robeth Streete, Wendy Evans, Shelly-Ann Wilson and Anthony Reid.

Shirley Maynier-Burke (right), gleefully accepts her award from Wolmer's Girls' Alumnae president Dr Verna Reid.

Maxine Simpson (right), mother of Olympian and Wolmer's old girl, Shelly-Ann Fraser, accepts her daughter's award from Dr Verna Reid, president of the Wolmer's Girls' Alumnae.

Dr Verna Reid (left), president of the Wolmer's Girls' Alumnae, presents Olga Geoghagen with her award as one of the eight women honoured at the centenary dinner, dance and awards banquet.