The Charlestown Secondary School (CSS) celebrated its 60th birthday on Monday, May 24. In connection with the anniversary, a social was thrown for the first graduating class of 1950.

Julie Smithen, coordinator CSS 60th anniversary committee and secretary at CSS, told The Observer that there were at least 20 persons from the original class who attended the function, and thoroughly appreciated the gesture.

“They really, really, really enjoyed themselves; they called back to say how good it was,” she said. “One of them came back to the school and thanked us for having the event because they had gotten an opportunity to reminisce and reacquaint themselves.”

The class of 1950 originally consisted of 170 persons, but some of these individuals were unable to attend due to illness, among other reasons.

Attendees included Theodore Hobson, Iola Byron, Keithley Hector, Millicent Walters, Arnold Dore, and Lorna Howell.

Although the social was set to conclude at noon, Smithen informed that the attendees stayed until 2:00 p.m., as they were mixing and mingling.

A luncheon was thrown for the honorees.

“We also had the 60th anniversary cake for them and they had a good time,” Smithen said.

She expressed her feelings of satisfaction in the 60th Anniversary commemorations, and revealed that she initiated the idea to have the class of 1950 return to be a part of the celebrations.

A two-day exhibition in the school’s auditorium was officially opened on Tuesday, May 25. A colourful display of locally-made items including pillows, clothespin bags, dolls, pen holders, and key holders was set up. Pictures of past students along with their achievements, past yearbooks and copies of the book “Let’s Look Back…. A Diary about Nevis and Nevisians”, authored by Jean Caines, were also on display.

Smithen relayed that most of the items were made by past and present students. Some teachers worked along with their students, while at least one teacher made some items singlehandedly.

Woodwork teacher, Andrew Lodge, touted the importance of his school section.
“We are doing this to show persons that students learn by making things,” he said.
“Once you have some patience and work with them, trust me; they can produce a lot of beautiful things.”

With reference to the display, Lodge said that it was “a masterpiece of what they can do” and that the finished products spoke for themselves.

Wood items, from service trays to benches, are among he creates throughout the academic year. He has been teaching at CSS for four years.

Lodge mentioned that three of his colleagues, Clinton Stewart, Althea Jackson, and Ryan Khadou assisted in putting the woodwork section together. He also noted that they are planning to have a larger exhibition for 2011.

A science exhibition was set up in the Chemistry laboratory at the sixth form college, which displayed various coloured chemicals in test tubes -- the tools which are used within the laboratory and apparatuses for procedures such as distillation and titration.
Unfortunately, it was only available for viewing on Tuesday. Also on that day, teachers were dressed in school uniforms and other CSS attire.

Smithen mentioned that there is a tuck shop where one can purchase commemorative items such as pens, pencils, earrings, necklaces, mugs, watches and notebooks at the school. The price range is from $1 to $95. Well-known craftsperson, Iona Rogers of Zion Village, made the earrings and the necklaces along with some key rings.

Profits from the tuck shop sales will go towards providing fencing for the school. Donations of $60 from past students are currently being garnered for the same purpose.
Upcoming events include a Talent Show slated for July 17 at the Nevis Cultural Complex in Charlestown, and a Gala Banquet on August 5 (no venue has been selected as yet).
Principal of CSS, Edson Elliot, told The Observer that the school underwent a facelift. Flowers were planted and were enclosed by a white wooden fence near the auditorium. The main gate, some stones, and the school’s sign were freshly painted.
“Things are shaping up nicely,” he said.

He noted that the school began collecting the $60 donations in May, and that the deadline has been extended to August 7.

A special church service was held on Sunday, May 30, after 4:00 p.m. at the Charlestown Methodist Church for the past and present students of CSS.

The audience was greeted by Principal Elliot, and by the Premier of Nevis, Hon. Joseph Parry. Spencer Howell from the class of 1950 gave a remembrance of his school days.
The well-attended service saw past and present students performing a dance, reciting a poem and singing songs. A song was also performed by the CSS staff.

Dawn Jeffers recognized every principal of CSS, some of whom are deceased while others were absent. The former principals at the ceremony were: Hon. Vance Amory, Pearlievan Wilkin, Joseph Wiltshire, Christine Springette, and Jennifer Hodge.

Pastor Euclid Lawrence gave a sermonette at the service and spoke of the memories from his days there at CSS.

Overall, the atmosphere was a light one, and everyone appeared to have had enjoyed the service.