STATHS Alumni Unite for Hope

From Building Dreams to Rebuilding Lives After Hurricane Melissa

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, it left behind scenes of heartbreaking destruction — homes torn apart, schools flooded, and entire communities in the western parishes cut off from aid. In that moment of national crisis, the alumni and students of St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) stepped forward together — proving that service and solidarity are at the heart of the STATHS spirit.

From MCIC to Mission: Responding to the Moment

Originally focused on building the Medical, Counseling & Intervention Center (MCIC) at their alma mater, STATHS ’78 & Friends, Inc. made the compassionate decision to pause their long-term project and redirect funds and volunteer energy toward immediate hurricane relief and recovery.

The Executive Body authorized a Kingston-based member of the 1978 class, to source emergency supplies locally for fast delivery to communities in need. Working in partnership with the Victoria Mutual Foundation (VMF), STATHS ’78 provided cash support for these purchases — ensuring transparent, rapid response and meaningful local impact.

At the same time, donated items collected abroad were shipped as part of SIPA’s (STATHS International Partners & Associates) coordinated container drive, which included building materials and relief supplies bound for the island’s western region.

Hands That Serve: Students and Alumni in Action

Beyond donations, several STATHS students and alumni physically traveled to Belmont Academy to assist with the clean-up and restoration of the school grounds. Working side-by-side with Belmont’s staff and local residents, they helped remove debris, organize supply distribution, and bring a spirit of encouragement to those hardest hit.

Their presence was a living symbol of the STATHS motto — Honour, Diligence and Service — and a reminder that the school’s legacy extends far beyond its campus walls.

Delivering Hope Where It’s Needed Most

Through these coordinated efforts, families across Belmont, Fort William, and Marrous Lane (Westmoreland) received vital support. Relief distributions included:

• Solar lights with USB charging ports

• Foam bedding and tarpaulins

• Fresh water, collapsible containers, and hygiene kits

• Food, clothing, and insect repellent

Principal and STATHS alumnus Rayon Simpson expressed gratitude on behalf of the Belmont Academy community:

“What touches us most is that our staff, students, and parents were prioritized in the distribution of supplies. This level of care, empathy, and solidarity speaks to the spirit of service STATHS alumni continue to embody.”

Community representative N. Allen from Fort William added:

“Your kindness has helped bring relief, comfort, and hope to our residents when we needed it most. Thank you for standing with our community and showing such compassion in our time of need.”

SIPA’s Continued Partnership

SIPA further strengthened recovery efforts by funding and delivering a generator to Belmont Academy — restoring power and stability to classrooms, administration, and student services amid island-wide outages.

“Your intervention has not only restored essential capacity — it has restored hope and confidence that our work can continue,” wrote the Belmont Academy leadership.

One School, One Family, One Mission

The partnership between STATHS ’78 & Friends, SIPA, the VM Foundation, and volunteers at home and abroad reflects the heart of Jamaica’s resilience. Together, they have brought light where there was darkness, connection where there was silence, and hope where there was despair.

As recovery continues — a process expected to take months, and in some areas years — these collective efforts stand as a testament that when STATHS alumni unite, hope follows.

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