Lady Allen plant a poui tree at the Hampton School in commemoration of the schools 160th anniversary celebration.Lady Allen plant a poui tree at the Hampton School in commemoration of the schools 160th anniversary celebration.
His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen delivering his keynote address at Hampton School 160th anniversary celebratory event.His Excellency The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen delivering his keynote address at Hampton School 160th anniversary celebratory event.
Hampton’s Head Girl Deandre Sutherland hugs Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen after presenting her with a token of appreciation.Hampton’s Head Girl Deandre Sutherland hugs Her Excellency the Most Honourable Lady Allen after presenting her with a token of appreciation.
His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen prepares the soil for planting a poui tree at Hampton School as acting headmistress Mrs. Roseann Lounges looks on.His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen prepares the soil for planting a poui tree at Hampton School as acting headmistress Mrs. Roseann Lounges looks on.
As the nation tries to come to terms with a range of social issues, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen is urging students of Hampton School to start a new trend by taking responsibility for their actions and the well-being of others.
In a thought provoking speech during a ceremony held at the school on Tuesday (Feb. 27) to mark its 160th Anniversary, His Excellency said that while this is a most exciting time to be alive, with all the inventions, modern technology and access to education, it is nevertheless the most dangerous.
“You are young, and the world is waiting for you. Starting now there’s a lot of living to do; and by living I do not mean self-indulgence and pleasures, but the positive things you will do to make the world a better place,” the Governor General said.
He told students that as they will pass this way only once, their actions should reflect a statement by renowned educator Horace Mann who said people should “be ashamed to die until you have won a victory for humanity.”
He also had a word for teachers, parents and guardians who are charged with nurturing young minds. “Parents and teachers, today I urge you to remember the grounds of integrity on which our forefathers fought; for while these young ladies are radiant blooms of tomorrow, we must not hide the realities from them, or be afraid to talk to them about the evils of this world,” he stated.
Sir Patrick Allen called on parents and teachers to create a solid foundation for young people starting with the family, as the vehicle in which strong, confident and ambitious youth are raised. “Where the home is broken we have girls who are not so confident, not sure of themselves and who are crying out through their actions, for some form of support,” he noted.
Accompanied by Lady Allen, the visit also featured the planting of two commemorative poui trees by Their Excellencies, but not before the Governor General told students to maintain a record of hard work and good behaviour, as they keep alive the illustrious and vibrant traditions of excellence which is the hallmark of Hampton School.