FACTA NON VERBA | DEEDS NOT WORDS
Welcome
The Holmwood Past Students' Association
The Holmwood Past Students' Association is the organization that links past students with their Alma Mater, Holmwood.
HPSA VIRTUAL GENERAL MEETING 2021
GET READY TO PARTICIPATE IN GENERAL MEETING 2021
Dear Holmwood Past Students,
We trust you and your family are doing well despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic. For those of you who lost loved ones, we send you sincere condolences and wish for you God’s comfort and peace at this difficult time.
An entire year has gone by, during which we were restricted in our capacity to carry on our usual activities due to the Pandemic. This included our General Meeting which was scheduled for July 2020. In view of the continued pandemic situation, the International Executive Board (IEB) of the Holmwood Past Students’ Association has taken a decision to host a Virtual General Meeting on Sunday, June 27, 2021.
An important part of this General Meeting will be the election of a new executive committee of the IEB. The IEB is the executive of the Holmwood Past Students’ Association led by President, Berletta Henlon Forrester. Our constitution provides for an election of officers to the executive committee of the IEB to be held every 2-year.
In preparation for the June 27 meeting, please note the following:
1. March 15-30, 2021: Communication to our past student body to inform of the decision to host a Virtual General Meeting and elect a new executive
committee.
2. The titles of open positions for the HPSA International Executive Committee (IEB) are:
President (Location: Jamaica)
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Treasurer (Location: Jamaica)
Assistant Treasurer
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Public Relations Officer
Chapter Presidents are automatic members of the International Executive Committee (IEB)
The Immediate Past President is also a member of the IEB
3. Director of Elections: Valerie Clarke and Deputy Director of Elections: Merva Crawford
4. April 30, 2021: Chapter Presidents to submit a list of paid-up/authorized members to Director/Deputy Director of Elections. Authorized members are paid up or otherwise qualified as paid-up members in accordance with the Constitution.
5. May 15, 2021: Director of Elections to email ballots with instructions to authorized members.
6. June 15, 2021: All ballots to be returned to the Director of Elections, with a copy to the Deputy Director.
7. June 27, 2021: Director of Elections to tally votes and report results at the General Meeting (logistics to be announced).
HPSA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD (IEB)
HAPPY NEW YEAR
My fellow Holmwood alumni, friends:
As this year of hope commences, I’m using this medium to send you warm greetings and best wishes for 2021. We have just emerged from a tumultuous year in which many lives have been disrupted. At the same time, some families have drawn closer and many people have started to focus on what truly matters. To our friends who experienced loss in 2020, I would like to express my sympathy and send you virtual hugs.
Many of us have a sense of relief that 2020 is over, however, as the dreaded pandemic has slipped seamlessly into 2021; it is important that we maintain full awareness and intensify our actions to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings.
Holmwood needs us now more than ever; the developments of this past year have only added a new set of items to the school's needs list. The Principal and staff have extended themselves to reach the students in their various locations; but there is need for more technical assistance on both sides.
I ask you to remember to include our school as you contemplate philanthropic support this year. I'm happy to advise you that HPSA International has now attained registered charity status in Jamaica. This means that your in-kind contributions can enter Jamaica free of Customs duties and GCT. Conditions apply, so do contact us before you proceed. Fyi, we will post the details on our website www.holmwoodpsa.org.
Covid-19 forced us to cancel our much-anticipated Reunion - Holmcoming 2020. The International Executive Board (IEB) believes that the business of the association must go on, so in 2021 we will be having our General Meeting virtually. More anon.
I wish to extend gratitude to my IEB team, for staying the course even as our tenure has been unexpectedly extended. I acknowledge the unfailing contribution of the Chapter presidents, members, and volunteers who continue to contribute their time and gifts to our Alma Mater. I greet all Holmwoodites, friends, and families, and wish for you a healthy, safe and purposeful 2021.
Let us make 2021 a year of gratitude, self-awareness, and responsible action; and may our motto 'let's stay together' take on even greater meaning for all of us in these challenging times.
Berletta Henlon Forrester
President,
Dear Holmwoodites and Friends,
Our thoughts are with you in these challenging times. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, and those who are anxious about their own health or the health and safety of family members. We acknowledge our people on the frontline - whether in healthcare, security, sanitation, transportation, utilities or the distributive trade that we all rely on.
This is a time to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, even from a physical distance. In this period, do take the time to reach out to someone that you have been too busy to call, or find a long lost Holmwood classmate or friend on social media. Let’s all do our part, as we look forward to a brighter day. I trust we will be able to get together at our next HolmComing/Reunion in July 2021.
Stay well, stay safe.
Berletta Henlon-Forrester
HPSA-IEB President
HolmComing 202 POSTPONED
HolmComing 2020 Postponed
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the HPSA 2020 HolmComing Reunion has been postponed until Summer 2021. Please stay tuned to our website and social media pages for updates on this important HPSA Calendar event.
Message from the HPSA President
My Fellow Holmwood Past Students:
We made it to 2020 – a New Year, and the start of a New Decade. This is a blessing!
Every new year holds new promises and opportunities for us to add value in our everyday interactions.
2020 is a special year for us, as this is the year of our Holmcoming/Major Reunion which will be held July 2 -5. This is a precious opportunity for a great gathering and sharing. Many of us hold fond memories of the 2017 Holmcoming; and so, I look forward to seeing you in even greater numbers this year. Come and experience ‘Meet and Greet’, school-based activities, our General Meeting, Banquet, and Picnic. The IEB looks forward to a high level of participation, and I also anticipate that new players will use the opportunity of our elections to get engaged at the leadership level of the Association.
As you make your plans to come ‘Holm’ this July, keep informed through your chapter leaders, the HPSA website and social media platforms. Holmwoodites, let us not fail to recognize the value and goodwill that our organization holds. The HPSA’s global structure with its umbrella body the IEB remains the envy of many a fledgling alumni association. Let us remain focused on our goals, even as we strive for continuous improvement.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the IEB team, chapter presidents, members, and volunteers who continue to contribute their time and gifts to the work of the HPSA and HTHS. I congratulate our Alma Mater on the successes of 2019 and pledge our continued support to ensure an even more successful 2020.
Friends, let us take a moment to remember those who transitioned in 2019 and the many loved ones who are still mourning their loss. In these challenging times, I encourage you to hold your family and friends close, count your blessings, and give thanks always.
Cheers to the start of a great year of wonderful and positively impactful experiences!
Berletta Henlon Forrester
President, IEB
Holmwood Past Students’ Association
HOLMCOMING 2020
2020 is Here!
It's HolmComing Year!
Save the Date!
REST IN PEACE LT. COL. RONALD HAMILTON
Lt. Col. Ronald Arthur Hamilton, JP
The Holmwood Past Students’ Association (HPSA) mourns the passing of Mr. Ronald Arthur Hamilton, former Principal of Holmwood Technical High School; who passed away on Sunday April 28, 2019.
Mr. Hamilton joined the Holmwood Faculty in 1967 and served as Vice Principal and Acting Principal. He became Holmwood’s longest serving Principal, serving the institution from 1970, until his retirement in 1996. A caring and visionary leader, Mr. Hamilton’s life, work, and commitment to education engendered a positive life-changing influence on many a young person; and indeed, inspired a generation. His contributions extended well beyond academia to include the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, Rotary and the Clergy.
The International Executive Board and all the Chapters of the HPSA in Jamaica and North America pay tribute to a great man. We express our deepest condolences to his dear wife, children, grandchildren and other bereaved family members.
May his soul rest in peace.
BUILDING BRIDGES | CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE
THE HOLMWOOD PAST STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION
The Holmwood Past Students’ Association, (HPSA), is the organization which connects the Holmwood Alumni with their Alma Mater, Holmwood Technical High School. The organization began in 1973, in New York, when one past student who had migrated to the United States brought together a group of past students to start the Association.
Since then the HPSA has grown to become a global organization with chapters in Jamaica, Florida, New York, and Toronto. The organization is led by an international executive, the HPSA IEB, which oversees and provides direction for the organization. The strength and growth of the alumni association is fueled by the ‘spirit’ of Holmwood, the powerful school on the Hill. The Association is guided by the vision to expand opportunities for the development, growth, and impact of Holmwood on the community that it serves.
Learn More
The HPSA has grown to become a global organization with chapters in Jamaica, Florida, New York, and Toronto.
VISION | mission| values
VISION
To be the best past students' association, developing, expanding and sustaining opportunities for the development of all areas of the school.
MISSION
To encourage and promote past students’ participation in the Holmwood Technical High School Community through service, leadership, and facilitation of the lifelong role that alumni have as stewards in the achievement of excellence.
VALUES
COMMITMENT | GENEROSITY | TRANSPARENCY | ACCOUNTABILITY
HPSA INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD (IEB)
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
PRESIDENT
VIOLET GRIFFITH
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT
GLEN DENTON
BERLETTA HENLON-FORRESTER
GLEN DENTON
VICE PRESIDENT
VALERIE CLARKE
VALERIE CLARKE
VALERIE CLARKE
SECRETARY
MERVA CRAWFORD
VALERIE CLARKE
VALERIE CLARKE
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
MARK RAMSAY
VALERIE CLARKE
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
TREASURER
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
ASSISTANT TREASURER
ELAINE WILLIAMS-MORGAN
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
ELAINE WILLIAMS-MORGAN
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
ASTLEY JONES
VERONICA WALLACE-MITCHNER
ELAINE WILLIAMS-MORGAN
PRESIDENT | EASTERN CHAPTER
ALRIC SALMON
MERLINE HIGGINS
MERLINE HIGGINS
PRESIDENT | TORONTO CHAPTER
MERLINE HIGGINS
MERLINE HIGGINS
MERLINE HIGGINS
PRESIDENT | SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER
ELI FERGUSON
MERLINE HIGGINS
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
Immediate Past President, Violet Griffith, conducts her final meeting at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 25, 2018 in Margate, Florida.
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
Newly elected HPSA International Executive Board President, Berletta Henlon-Forrester, with other executive members at the 27th Annual Banquet of the South Florida Chapter on May 26, 2018.
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) Members
The HPSA International Executive Board (IEB) at the South Florida Banquet, on May 26, 2018 in Margate, Florida