THE NAME Ardenne High has become synonymous with success, especially at the academic level.
But despite all the achievements, the one that seems to resonate the most is the Spelling Bee. Fifteen national champion spellers who have won the all island championship have come from this school. That success is unequivocally linked to the Rev. Glen Archer and his meticulous programme.
But aside from that, the Schools' Challenge Quiz has been won four times and countless gold medal performances in the Festival Arts are among Ardenne's achievements.
Ardenne boasts many esteemed alumnae and is also the current place of study for the Caribbean's top science student, Daniel Thomas. Perhaps it was this kind of academic excellence that founders Roy and Nellie Olson foresaw when they started the school in 1927.
The trophy cabinet is not totally bereft of sports trophies either as the basketball and netball teams have won many titles between them.
Over 1,800 students now pass through the gates and the various clubs and societies have also increased. Among the newer ones are the water polo club and a formalised music club. The dance club is also new and has the benefit of a recently built dance studio. Perennial clubs like the Inter School Christian Fellowship (ISCF) remain a stable part of the school programme. So varied have the activities become, the school has designated a co-curricular coordinator to supervise the many clubs and societies. Other improvements include the construction of a new science block.
The school was the pilot secondary institution for a project in personal development, which came from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Culture. Vice-Principal Joan Davis-Williams explained.
"On a certain day, the older students come in dressed as if they're going to for a job interview. We interview them and mark them based on the way they deport themselves. It's to prepare them for the working world."
But despite all these other firsts and achievements, the Spelling Bee remains the trophy that people associate Ardenne with the most. But even with 15 triumphs, the school has no problem with adding more.
