Triple C School Celebrates 81 wonderful years

By Christopher Tobutt 

Triple C School celebrated 81 years in grand style on Thursday 20 October. Founded right back in 1941 It’s the oldest continuously running secondary school in the Cayman Islands, and that’s something to really be proud of. School Principal Leonora Mendoza-Hydes welcomed everyone into the school hall, following a spectacular processional of students and staff. There was a bible reading from Zephaniah Chapter 3, “The Lord thy God in the Midst of thee, he is mighty he will rejoice over thee, he will rest in his love, and he will joy over thee with singing.”

Mrs. Tonya Knight Dean of Students led all of the children in a prayer: “We thank you that you have a plan, and that your plan for us individual, your plan collectively and your plan for Triple C school is a plan for good and not for evil, to give us a hope and an expected end. We are grateful that you have been with us and that you will continue to be with us. You’ll never forsake us, you’ll be with us even until the end of the age.”

After some very special musical offerings, both from the School Band as well as three students who played the steel pan, former Minister of Education and a member of Triple C’s Board of Directors, offered some remarks.  “This is Triple C’s eighty-first anniversary. When I reflect upon that achievement several things come to my mind. The first is that I imagined, like the words of John Newton in his famous song, Amazing Grace, you must have gone through many dangers, toils and storms to have reached this point.

“The second thing is as a historian I was reflecting on the history of secondary education in these islands and I want to make this important point: that Triple C school, its founders and the Church of God Chapel should be proud because Triple C school is the oldest continuous secondary school in these islands. The Board of Directors have full confidence in the school, the way its being run and administered and we believe that the best is yet to come. You have such a rich tradition. These graduates have taken their places and made a significant contribution to the lives and development of this society but I can assure you the future is just as rich if not richer.”

Miss World Cayman Islands Leanni Tibbetts, Alumni Representative said shared some secrets of success with the students: “It’s not easy getting to where I am today and I say that because its not going to be easy for you either. One thing I want to share is that hard work pays off. When I was at Triple C school I managed to maintain at least a 3.6 GPA and managed to get three scholarships…You have to make sacrifices along the way. If you’re a procrastinator, learn to plan. Create a list prioritizing everything you have to do, the most important things at the top. But the most important thing I want to share with you is: ‘Put God First.’ I can say that now, looking back over my life and seeing God’s fingerprint everywhere, however, when I was sitting where you are today, I didn’t have that same mind. I am grateful that I serve a God who, even though I forget him, he never forgets me. God knows your heart and he will stay with you throughout your journey.”