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It was a grand ole time indeed as The Meadowbrook High School Alumni NY Chapter hosted a dual Soiree with the schools 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Celebration/23rd Annual Gala Fundraiser on March 24th, 2018 at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY.
The ambiance was set upon arrival as the first 60 ladies (marking the 60th Anniversary) were greeted with red roses by the organization’s Trustees in honor of Women’s’ “HerStory” Month. Cocktail hour saw guests meeting and greeting enjoying hors d’oeuvre while enjoying the sounds of young Saxophonist Luke Waldron, Jazz Major, Berklee College of Music Class of 2021. Waldron was the evenings Guest Musical Entertainment during dinner and he did not disappoint a bright future lies ahead.
Once seated in the Emerald Dining room the welcome was delivered by Mr. Orville McKenzie who introduced the Master of Ceremonies Mr. Robert ‘Bobby’ Desouza, Co-Host of 1240 AM Real Island Radio, who masterfully kept the audience engaged and program flowing.
One of the highlights of the night was the six Lifetime Membership Inductees who were as follows: Trustee Maureen Spence-Yearwood ’83, Salome Rose ’84, Trustee Oswald Barrett ’85, Immediate Past President Anthony Brown ’87, Corresponding Secretary/Past President Ciardi Franklin ’87 and Orville McKenzie ’85.
The highlight of the night was the Award presentation. In addition to the recipients receiving their Community Service Awards the Distinguished Honorees Wilfred Rattigan Esq., Retired FBI Special Agent, MHS Alumnae ’77 and Carl B. Moxie ‘Uncle Carl’ Radio Broadcaster/Executive Producer Wake Up Radio 93.5FM, the recipients also received Proclamations from Member of Congress Yvette Clarke. The Awards were presented by President Kerry-Ann Franklin assisted by Vice- President Sharon Wynter.
In addressing the gathering ‘Uncle Carl’ (using his radio moniker) said: “in his 30 year career this was his first time being honored and he thanked the organization for the recognition.”
The Honored Guest Speaker Mr. Rattigan in his keynote address took the audience along memory lane from his humble beginnings in Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica to his entrance to “Meadowbrook, an unknown school that was not his first choice.” He said, ‘the essence of life is captured by choices, timing, and consequences and the Meadowbrook High School Alumni NY Chapter has made it their mission to make Meadowbrook the school of choice and the consequence of that effort is a larger, smarter and more prepared student body.” His message was well received by the audience with laughter throughout his delivery and nods of agreement as many seem to say, I remember!
There were lots of giveaways especially from one of the nights sponsors National Bakery who brought a taste of our island home, and a bit of the Easter season, with their Easter bun giveaways. This was well received by the guests in attendance. Guests closed out the night by dancing to the sounds of Road International Disco.
The nights’ celebration was well supported by well over 200 friends and Alumnae from near and far. Special guests included Vice Consul Denise Donalds who brought greetings on behalf of Consul General of Jamaica and Ms. Akelia Lawrence-Maitland, NE Advisory Board Member. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsor Progressive Homes & Development Inc., and Gold Sponsor Westbury Toyota and to all our other Sponsors who came on board to make this event a success. The rest is History!
This year, in addition to funding scholarships, proceeds are earmarked to purchase a Bus for the School.
Donations are still being accepted online at www.mhsny.org.
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