Left: Students of the Doncaster School of Nursing render a musical selection during a church service held on Saturday to honour Matron Amy Hyatt. The service was held at the North Street Seventh-day Church.   Right: Matron Amy Hyatt - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

, founder of the Doncaster School of Nursing, east Kingston, was on Saturday honoured by students and teachers from the institution for her sterling contribution to the health and education sectors.

Matron Hyatt's progression to teaching the techniques of nursing evolved after she retired from her job as a senior state-registered nurse with the Ministry of Health in 1984. She worked with the ministry for 14 years after returning from England, where she was trained as a nurse.

At the ceremony held at the North Street Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she is a member, Elder Fitzgerald Gayle, described Matron Hyatt as a heroine who has assisted and enabled others to do their best.

Heleth Hasan, principal of Harbour View Primary School, said Matron Hyatt, 79, could not be overlooked for her strength of character.

"She is a resourceful person; she is sharp, witty and alert and never fails to participate in meaning- ful discussions," she told the gathering.

In her remarks, Corine McIntosh, teacher at Doncaster School of Nursing, said in addition to assisting with the training of hundreds of nurses from home and abroad, Matron Hyatt has aided the destitute by distributing clothing and food items and has provided scholarships for needy nursing students.

"With all these outstanding services, I deem it necessary to scatter these roses ...," said Ms. McIntosh.

In her response, Matron Hyatt said she was thankful that the members of the school saw it fit to honour her when she is alive and well to witness it.

"I am thankful for the roses you have given me," she said. "Don't give me roses when I am dead."