MEMBERS of the Knox College High School Graduating Class of 1995 recently made a presentation to their alma mater to the tune of $200,000.

The money was collected through a WhatsApp group mobilisation and a virtual linkup in the summer.

Meeting with the group virtually after the presentation, Principal Alexander Bourne, himself a past student of the institution, thanked them for the support.

“Well done to the class of 1995; heartfelt thanks to this hard-working group. You should really feel proud of what you have done, which will be making a positive impact in the lives of many young students through your generous gift,” said Bourne.

He noted that eight to 10 students would benefit in having their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects paid for in May-June 2023.

The money will be made available to students who are performing well academically but have a financial need.

“You are making a significant difference in the lives of young people; it is an important hurdle you will get them over,” added Bourne as he pointed out that every year the school sees many students who have great potential but significant financial challenges and who struggle to pay for their exams.

“It takes a very special group to do what you have done. You guys have planted a tree knowing you may never receive a fruit from it. It’s a great feeling to know that you have done this and want to encourage you to pay it forward. Encourage others — and it doesn’t have to be at Knox. The more we invest in our youth, the better it will be for all of us,” Bourne reasoned.

The Clarendon-based institution, which turns 75 this year, has 1,597 students enrolled from grades 7-13, and Bourne argued that, “The same spirit with which Knox was conceived, founded, built and expanded continues in you. Class of 95, you are true Knoxites.”

Speaking on behalf of the Class of 95, Ann Marie Bailey-Ruddock noted that the idea was conceived as a result of the cancellation of the class’ planned 25th anniversary celebration due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, and as a way to celebrate the institution’s 75th anniversary.

“We are very happy that we were able to reach our target and give back to Knox in this way. This institution has made us who we are today, and we want future graduates to get the best experience possible from attending this intuition and have all the opportunities we did,” said Bailey-Ruddock.