Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer

Lascelles Chin, founder, chairman and CEO of LASCO Group, presented the Principal of the Year trophy to Sharon Reid (left), principal of St. Andrew High School for Girls, and Teacher of the Year award to Beverley. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Beaming smiles and collected responses marked the reactions of the individuals honoured at the 2006-2007 LASCO Teacher and Principal of the Year awards ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, yesterday.

Beverley Tulloch-Danvers, teacher at the Porus Primary School, collected the Teacher of the Year award, while principal of St. Andrew High School for Girls, Sharon Reid, collected the inaugural Principal of the Year award.

"To be honest with you, I felt deeply honoured just to have been considered worthy of nomination, so this is really the icing on the cake," said Mrs. Reid in her response to receiving the award.

Importance of teachers

Mrs. Reid, who has been involved with education for the past 30 years, stressed the importance of teachers in society.

"Our role in society is an awesome one. In our hands rest heavily a major part of the responsibility of training the next generation of leaders, decision makers, workers at all levels and, most importantly, parents and caregivers."

With 32 years in the business of teaching, Mrs. Tulloch-Danvers equally highlighted the importance of teachers in shaping not only the professionals of the future, but also their moral standing.

"Education is being increasingly recognised as one of the most effective means of transforming one's character in the immediate society and the wider world. The profession of teaching is the noblest of all, and I will continue to uphold that profession."

Mrs. Tulloch-Danvers, who was also recognised for her creation of a parenting club at her school, cited the importance of the collaborative efforts between parents and teachers in the upbringing of a child.