Press Release
For immediate Release
Mt Alvernia High Centennial Health Fair a Huge Success
Montego Bay Jamaica, June 2, 2025: As part of the 100th anniversary of Mt. Alvernia High School in Montego Bay, the Central Florida International Alumni Association executed a major Health Fair on Friday May 30 under the theme “Celebrating a Healthier You”. The multi-faceted event has been going for the last ten years, but this year the association, the Mt Alvernia High Centennial Health Fair Committee and several partners pulled out all the stops to make it extra special. According to President of the Association Dawn Chin Jones, “the objectives were to inspire and to reach out to students, staff and all employees of Mt. Alvernia High, to address their health and wellness, screen them for lifestyle diseases and assist them with cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
The day opened with a heartwarming devotion led by members of the Alumni Association. Screenings took place in the areas of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI with waist and hemoglobin, thanks to sponsor the National Health Fund (NHF), through the assistance of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica. The Ministry of Health Blood Bank conducted a blood drive and HIV testing was also done for adults present. Centennial sponsor Guardian Life and Sagicor were also on hand to share health coverage information.
Several alumni, some of whom flew into Jamaica from overseas for the occasion, demonstrated and provided opportunities for students to get hands on experience in saving lives through CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. A practitioners’ booth also allowed access to alumni who are health professionals to share their knowledge, skills and passion with their little sisters. Over the counter products were provided through a collaboration with Indies Pharma and CARIMED.
Emotional wellness screening was also conducted and where needed referrals have been done to relevant counselors to ensure meaningful outcomes.
Health talks throughout the day in the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral were led by the Ministry of Health Departments of Adolescent Health and Drug Abuse and these were followed with discussions directed by qualified alumni.
It was also a day for gifting which saw all 1400 students receiving logoed centennial “we care” packages containing toiletries and personal care items.
The association also gifted the heads of departments with 15 lightly used lap tops to improve resources at the institution and make a difference in their teaching.
Other beneficiaries from the day’s activities included the Chetwood Memorial Primary School and Mt Alvernia Prep School which received first aid kits. Seaford Town and Good Shepherd Foundation were also assisted with health and wellness supplies.
Appreciation must also be given to CPJ which provided refreshments throughout the day and Sea Gardens Resort that provided additional supplies. President Chin Jones indicated that no one was left out and it was the association’s joy to include all the grounds men, housekeeping and food services staff, the academic staff which received a basket of health goodies, the dance, art and sewing departments of the institution.
President Chin Jones stated “At the end of the day, it was a fulfilling experience for all involved. I just felt like we were one big family. It was a great opportunity to build alumni and student relations and remind students that Mt Alvernia is more than just a place of learning, it represents a tradition that has shaped generations of women into leaders, pioneers, and agents of change. We did a great job working as a team. I’m happy that our mission was accomplished!”
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For further information or to conduct an interview contact:
Marline Stephenson Dalley – Chairman Centennial Committee
Telephone: (876) 770-4107
Email: marlinestephensondalley@gmail.com