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| Roy Ebanks OD |
Death, with its finality, always touches the deepest parts of our souls, regardless of the person's age. It brings a profound sense of pain.
Late last night (Oct 15), a message reached me, delivering the news that our cherished former Principal of Ardenne High School, Roy Ebanks, had departed from us at the age of 95. His ailing health had been known, so the news wasn't entirely unexpected. Like a dedicated news agency, I quickly shared this with all my Ardenne Contacts, as I have always strived to be the first to share important news.
Mr. Ebanks holds a special place in my heart. It was he who, with grace and kindness, welcomed my daughter into the Ardenne family. At the time, my daughter was attending Immaculate, one of Kingston's prestigious high schools, where she encountered challenges rooted in classism and, regrettably, racism. I couldn't stand by and watch her endure such a toxic environment.
With her outspoken nature and being the sole dark-skinned girl in her class, she had been singled out for her "misbehaviour." The message was clear: she was expected to know her place. One day, an Immaculate teacher even dared to tell us that girls like her usually ended up pregnant and dropping out of school early.
That's when Mr. Ebanks intervened. He graciously accepted my daughter's transfer from Immaculate to Ardenne, welcoming her into the 4th form. It turned out to be a turning point. After enduring those negative experiences, she thrived at Ardenne. Not only did she become the deputy head girl, but she also excelled in all her A-levels.. Her journey continued at UWI, where she earned a scholarship to a university in London and, subsequently, pursued her studies at Warwick University in the UK, reaching the Ph.D. level.
When she graduated, she asked me to hand-deliver a copy of the graduation programme to Immaculate. In her cover letter, she wrote, "This is the girl who should have dropped out of school pregnant, the one who should have ended up as a typist." No disrespect to secretaries or typists, of course.
Regrettably, rumours then spread among the teachers and students at Immaculate that she had not returned due to pregnancy. The truth, as they say, was a bridge too far.
Mr. Ebanks remained steadfast in my daughter's life, showing genuine concern and his immense pride in her accomplishments. He monitored her progress closely, and we continued to discuss her achievements until recently.
In the legacy of Roy Ebanks, we find a man whose genuine care and concern extended to every student who passed through the halls of Ardenne during his remarkable tenure as Principal from 1979 to 1996.
Rest in peace, Roy Ebanks. Your legacy of compassion, understanding, and dedication to your students lives on, etched in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing you.
Editor:
The contributor, Lois Grant has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top performing artists,, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports.
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4 comments:
Mr Ebanks was also very proud of your achievements Lois. Your communication skills are extraordinary and is a testament of the English department of which he was a part. I will miss Mr Ebanks!
Mr. Ebanks was a wonderful Principal, caring for All of the students at Ardenne. It was amazing how he knew all the members of families that were students. And he monitored throughout their school life
Rip
In the halls of Ardenne High, a legend stood,
A phantom, Roy Ebanks, both feared and understood.
With movements like a ghost, he'd glide through the day,
A principal, enigmatic in his own unique way.
Yet in the shadowed echoes of his stern command, clapping his hands 👏🧐 One tale would emerge of a young boy, who took a valiant stand.
A caning once delivered, a prophecy so cold,
That defending oneself, would lead to a life untold.
But the Phantom couldn't grasp, where this soul was from,
A place that never backed down, no matter what may come.
From the gritty streets, where the fight's in one's blood,
A spirit unyielding, like a river in its flood.
The school, it was a forge, shaping courage and might,
A relentless determination, to always stand and fight.
Years passed, and destiny wove its intricate thread,
In the tapestry of life, where our paths would spread.
At Nicole White's wedding, where two worlds converged,
Across from one another, where past grudges were submerged.
The Phantom gazed in puzzlement, a moment of truth,
As the man he'd once judged, he held the hand of youth.
In that instance, they saw, they were just two souls,
Forgiveness in their eyes, as time's intricate scrolls.
For Roy Ebanks, a man, not just the stern guide of yore,
And the boy he'd once chastised, now a man, mature.
In that sacred space, where hearts can finally mend,
May we meet at Heaven's door, as old friends in the end.
Rest in peace, Roy Ebanks, your legacy endures,
Lessons learned in hardship, the spirit that ensures.
From a student who became a soldier, cop and a guardian of the land,
For love transcends our differences, and in our hearts, you will always stand.
Wally
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