John Binns opens the door to a classroom named in his honour while (from left) Grace Baston, principal of Campion College; Sheila Barrett; Daphne Anderson; and Cherrie Neufville look on. - photos by Rudolph Brown

They have each dedicated more than 20 years to mentoring and moulding young minds to shoulder responsibilities and contribute positively to nation building.

They did it without much thought, little pay and out of sheer love. They did it not thinking that one day they would be remembered and honoured.

Over the years, Campion College had been observant, praising their service. But it was not until Tuesday that the elite high school memorialised retired teachers Daphne Anderson, Cherrie Neufville, John Binns and Neville Smith by naming four classrooms on the Waters Hall building in their honour.

'Immeasurable contribution'

Anderson, who spent the better part of 21 years as a teacher of English, was greeted with much applause as she unveiled the plaque and shakily cut the ribbon to the Daphne Anderson Room. She was lauded for her "immeasurable contribution to the formation of good character" in a number of Campionites.

"It is a great honour, I am very appreciative," stated Cherrie Neufville, who taught English language for 24 years.

Besides her academic focus, she said she also taught students important life-coping strategies, explaining that it was her love of the profession that kept her in the classroom.

"I am an English teacher but it has never been just English, it has been everything, everything that has to do with life and living," Neufville said. "Sometimes I have to promise them that we will get back to the topic."

John Binns, who served at the institution for 44 years teaching music, Latin, history and English language, said he was stunned at the news that a classroom would be named in his honour.

'Tears to his eyes'

Smith

The well-rounded Binns, who later became a guidance counsellor, also revealed that the recognition brought tears to his eyes.

Noted for his faultless punctuality, mathematics teacher Neville Smith was also honoured for his 24 years of dedicated service. During that time, 90 per cent of students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate math exam earned distinctions.

"The whole relationship has been symbiotic," Smith stated, laughing.

"There is still some nostalgia just thinking about it (teaching) that sometimes evokes some high emotion because of the love and affection I felt for the students," said Smith, who touts his philosophy of Six Ps - "plan, prepare, pray and pursue your purpose with passion".

shernette.gillispie@gleanerjm.com