( L - R ) McFarlane, Smith, Peart

WESTERN BUREAU:

Commitment and an avid passion to mould young minds are among the characteristics which earned Lucinda Peart, Rhudal McFarlane and Eulalee Smith Prime Minister's Medals of Appreciation for Service to Education.

Sixty-seven-year-old Lucinda Peart, an English language and English literature teacher at the Northern Caribbean University, has been tutoring for more than five decades.

"I have been teaching since I was 14 years old. This year marks the 53rd year since I have been an educator.

"I feel humbled that I was selected for this award and I give all the glory to God who has empowered me to do what I loved to do over the years," said Peart, who also lectured at the Bethlehem Moravian College in St Elizabeth.

Peart dedicated the award to her parents and husband, who are deceased, and to her past students, colleagues and community members who have encouraged her to persevere.

Signs of a good educator

Rhudal McFarlane, 63, principal of Cambridge High School in St James, understands that being a good listener, being actively involved in every aspect of the school's curriculum and fostering a comfortable environment for both teachers and students are the hallmarks of a good educator.

McFarlane, who has been in the education system for more 40 years, remarked: "It feels good to know that persons within the rural communities can be recognised for hard work, as not often you will find that.

"I came to the school as a principal in 1983 when the student population was only 300. Now our school has 1,778 students (on a single shift), so one can appreciate the level of work that we have to do at our school."

He said he was humbled that he was shortlisted to receive the award and hopes that others who excel will receive appreciation.

Eulalee Smith, 66, expressed gratitude at the award. Now retired, she believes she has achieved enough.

"I have been teaching for over 36 years and, of that amount, I have given 27 years of service to teaching in my hometown of Hopewell, Hanover. I retired as the principal of Bethel Primary and Junior High School," she said.

In order to be successful in the field, the veteran educator recommended that persons have a genuine love for teaching and be willing to make a difference in the lives of students and parents.

The Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education ceremony will be held at Jamaica House tomorrow. Forty educators from the ranks of specialist teacher, principal, teacher educator and education adminis-trator will be honoured.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com