HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year Holmwoodites
On behalf of the HPSA, I’m sending you warm greetings; and wishing you all the best for 2022. While this appears to be another year of uncertainty, let us also make it a year of possibilities. In 2021, past students continued to provide individual or group support to our school and students in various ways. We thank you, and urge you to continue to bless Holmwood, especially as the future of the children remains at risk due to the limited contact time with the available educational resources. We’re in a time when connections take on even greater significance, so do continue to reach out and touch, at least virtually.
We remember the loved ones who passed in 2021, including some notable alumni, and we express condolences to the respective families and friends. Regrettably, though understandably, we have had to again postpone our planned Holmcoming celebrations. Please watch our social media spaces for ongoing updates. Do stay safe, and remain connected with your alumni association. Let’s stay together!
Berletta Henlon Forrester, President, Holmwood Past Students’ Association
HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2021
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,
Message from the HPSA President - 2020
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
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
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.
