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A Century of Stars: Illuminating The Future
Mrs. THERISA CHERIAN, J.P
is a veteran educator with almost 45 years of service in Western Jamaica. She has two post graduate qualifications in the field of Science and Education. Her career started as a classroom Science teacher and she later moved up the ranks to become Head of Department, a Vice Principal and then a principal all of which have been in public “all girls” schools namely, Montego Bay High School for Girls and Mount Alvernia High School.
For the last nine years she has served as the Principal of Mount Alvernia Preparatory School and Kindergarten. It is a private school which has the distinction of being the oldest and finest prep school in the west.
She is a devout catholic and serves on several boards including the Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club & the St Josephs Church Advisory Council. Her interests include socializing with young people, reading widely and wanting to be “in the know.”
True excellence is not inherited; it is nurtured through discipline, prayer, and a heart for service." — Mr. Garvin Atkinson
For the past 27 years, Mr. Atkinson has been a cornerstone of excellence at Chetwood Memorial Primary School, embodying the spirit of dedicated service and visionary leadership. His professional journey spans the entire educational spectrum—beginning as a passionate classroom teacher, rising through the ranks as house leader and senior teacher, then serving with integrity as vice principal, and now, as the distinguished principal. His academic portfolio reflects a thirst for knowledge and excellence, holding a Bachelor in Education from Nova Southeastern University, a Bachelor of Arts in Management from the University of the West Indies, a Diploma in Education from Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, and a successful completion of the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL) Principal Programme.
As principal during the school’s extraordinary Centennial Celebration, Mr. Atkinson leads with a blend of faith, innovation, and resilience. His strategic vision has positioned Chetwood Memorial as a beacon of 21st-century learning, with a focus on STEM integration, smart classrooms, and a culture of inclusivity anchored in spiritual values. Under his guidance, the school has achieved record-breaking PEP results, secured multiple scholarships, and excelled in athletics, the arts, and 4-H. Yet, Mr. Atkinson’s proudest achievement remains the nurturing of character and community within every child. A servant leader to his core, he continues to shape the future with compassion, courage, and conviction—trusting that the foundation he helps to build today will empower generations for the next hundred years.
Kayon Whyne, M.Ed., B.A. (Hons), Dip.Ed
is a dedicated educator and social worker with over a decade of experience in both Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Born in Kingston and raised in Portmore, St. Catherine, she is a graduate of St. Catherine High School and pursued her passion for guidance and counselling at Mico Teachers College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from London Metropolitan University and a Master’s in Learning & Teaching from St. Mary’s University in Minnesota.
Her professional journey spans roles in education, social work, and care services, with a strong commitment to uplifting others—especially children and youth. After returning to Jamaica more than twelve years ago, she has continued to shape young lives as a teacher and guidance counsellor. Kayon is driven by faith, purpose, and a belief in the transformative power of education.
A devout Roman Catholic, wife to Daniel, and proud mother, she is also a mentor and mother figure to many. Kayon Whyne is known for her compassion, dedication, and motivation within her community, church, and profession and has served as Principal of Mt Alvernia High School since 2021.
