A momentous occasion is on the horizon as alumni of Cayman High School (CHS), Cayman Islands High School (CIHS), and John Gray High School (JGHS) come together to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. The celebration kicks off with a Gala on 22nd November 2024, followed by a Church Service on 24th November 2024.
Founded in 1949 as Cayman High School, the institution was originally a Presbyterian church initiative. Cayman High School began with the leadership of School Inspector George Hicks and was shortly thereafter replaced by Rev. John Gray, its first official principal. What started as a small educational venture has flourished into the public high school we know today, shaping thousands of young minds and making a lasting impact on the Cayman Islands.
As we reflect on 75 years of academic excellence, the alumni community is invited to return to honour the legacy of this beloved institution. The Gala will be a night of celebration, nostalgia, and reconnection, and the commemorative Church Service will offer a moment of reflection and gratitude for the role the school has played in so many lives.
“This milestone is a tribute to all the students, teachers, and staff who have contributed to the school’s legacy. We look forward to welcoming back alumni from every generation to celebrate this special occasion,” said Marva Bodden-Reid, President of the JGHS Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).
In addition to reconnecting with fellow graduates, the event will feature an Awards Ceremony to honour alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities. “The Gala Committee is calling on everyone to nominate alumni who have been a force for good—whether through community service, volunteering, or representing the Cayman Islands locally and internationally in a positive way. These awards are an opportunity to acknowledge those who have continued the school’s tradition of excellence long after they’ve left its classrooms,” she added.
Nominations are encouraged from all alumni, teachers, and the wider public as an opportunity to recognise those who have carried the values of CHS, CIHS, and JGHS – “Hold fast to that which is good” – into the world and made a lasting impact. Nominations can be submitted via email to 75thalumnijghs@gmail.com , and the Gala Committee is encouraging submissions to highlight the nominee’s impact on their community and beyond.
“We are also inviting alumni and teachers to dig into their archives and share a few images from their school days. Whether it’s class photos, sports day, or candid moments, these pictures will help us to bring the school’s story to life as part of the anniversary celebrations,” expressed Mrs. Felicia McLean, Vice President of the JGHS PTA.
The 75th Anniversary Gala will take place at the Stacey Watler Agriculture Pavilion on 22nd November 2024, bringing together alumni from across the Cayman Islands and abroad. A commemorative Church Service will be held at the Mary Miller Hall on 24th November, Alumni, past teachers, school administrators, staff, and the wider public are warmly invited to join in celebrating the school’s enduring legacy.
Early bird tickets are available until 22nd October for CI$75, with prices increasing by CI$25 after this date. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TicketsPlus.ky or in person at Winners Circle, Infinity Fashions, Funky Tangs Countryside, and Island Photo.
“This celebration will be a truly special occasion, honouring more than seven decades of education, community, and lifelong friendships. We encourage everyone to share this event with fellow alumni, family, and friends, and to spread the word to past teachers and staff,” added Mrs. McLean.
To nominate alumni for the CHS.CIHS.JGHS 75th Anniversary Gala Awards, simply follow these steps:
1. Prepare Your Nomination:
○ Identify an alumnus who has made a significant contribution to the community, either through community service & leadership, or representing the Cayman Islands in a positive way both locally and/or internationally.
2. Write a Brief Description:
○ Provide a summary of the nominee’s accomplishments and impact. Include specific examples of how they have contributed to their community, succeeded professionally or brought positive recognition to the Cayman Islands.
3. Submit the Nomination:
○ Be sure to include:
• The nominee’s full name.
• A brief description of their contributions.
• Nominator’s contact information in the event further details are needed.
For updates and more information, be sure to like and follow the Committee’s Instagram @alumni.chs.cihs.jghs or Facebook @CHS.CIHS.JGHS.Alumni pages.
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.