Another exciting aspect to note about this year’s cohort is that three finalists in both the Teacher and Principal categories hail from Region five of the Ministry of Education. Region five is the South-Central area which consists of schools in the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth.

Representing educators with remarkable personal qualities as well as immense contributions to their field and community, the 2016 - 2017 Teacher of the Year finalists include:- Mrs. Judine Thomas-Shorter, Gaynstead High; Mr. Stevon Sheriffe, Santa Cruz Primary & Junior High; Mrs. Petrina Ledgister, Manchester High, Mrs. Joseth Kerr-Timoll, Holland High; Mrs. Pelechia Rodney-Vernon, John Rollins Success Primary; Miss. Kerene Nelson, St. Elizabeth Technical High; and Mrs. Maureen Rowe-Campbell, St. Hugh’s High.

Similarly, the six finalists for Principal of the Year 2015/16 are undoubtedly leaders by title but more importantly, beacons of change to those they inspire. They include: Miss. Keisha Hayle, Padmore Primary; Mrs. Prim Lewis, Aberdeen High; Mrs. Marcia Lewis-Brown, Frankfield Primary & Infant School; Mr. Keith Wellington, St. Elizabeth Technical High; Mrs. Andria Dehaney-Dinham, Maryland All Age School; and Mrs. Angella Campbell-Treasure.

This year, the awardees will receive a host of prizes and awards.  Teacher and Principal of the Year will each receive the champion trophy, $250,000 and an all-expense paid trip to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) conference in Anaheim California. The first runners up will receive a trophy, $150,000 and accompany the winners to the ASCD conference in California, while the third place winners will walk away with a trophy and   $100,000. All finalists will take home plaques, LASCO Gift Baskets and gift certificates.

LASCO and MoEYI have been collaborating to salute educators since 1997 — recognizing them for outstanding performance and impact on education in Jamaica, as well as for displaying exceptional contributions to the school community. The 2016/17 Awards Ceremony is slated for Tuesday, November 29 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel with the keynote address to be given by Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness.