Spring has started early in Atlanta this year. In fact, it seems that we may have skipped spring entirely and gone directly into summer. I, for one, am happy for it. Lower heating bills are always welcome at my house. But then, the summers in Georgia can be quite hot—hotter than Jamaica, even. Temperatures in the 90 degrees are not uncommon here; the highest recorded was 112 degrees in 1952.
It was hot at CHAMPS this year as Jamaican high school athletes turned in some sizzling performances. KC fought valiantly but Calabar High held on to win in a fitting tribute to 100th year anniversary of the school's founding. Congrats to the Calabar team and coaches. We will be back!
Tim Huntley, editor of www.myathleticlife.com provided a profile of Davian Clarke, former KC and Jamaica track star who is now a coach at the University of North Carolina. Clarke was honored at this year's Champs. You can read this profile elsewhere in this edition of the times.
The Kingston College Chapel Choir has been selected to perform at the historic Washington National Cathedral's annual Flower Mart from May 3rd to 6th. They were invited by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC. This is indeed a high honor. However, they need help with some incidental expenses if they are to do their best. Please see the article about the trip written by the Hon. Noel Spencer and Dr. Robert Wan. And make a contribution if you can.
We received some very moving tributes for the late Franklyn Tenn of the Toronto Chapter and the late Mrs. Beulah Reid, popular English teacher. Several are published in this edition.
I still remember Frankie as a constant presence on the campus when I was a student. His quiet unassuming persona belied his dedication and service to KC. It was Dougs who set us straight by remarking that Frankie was one of the school's most respected students in his day.
We were also saddened by the tragic passing of fellow Fortisans, Ed Gallimore and Ashane Cespedes. Ed was a victim of a robbery in Kingston and Ashane reportedly drowned in a lake in Canada.
Derrick Wright provides a glimpse into the Jamaican community in Atlanta in his well-crafted piece elsewhere in this edition. And if you have ever wondered what it's like to live with sickle-cell anemia our interview with Gregory Richards, son of Atlanta KC old boy, Garey Richards might be of interest.
We await word on whether Chairman Vasciannie will be moving to Washington, DC as the island's new ambassador and we also understand that the search for a new principal is underway once again. It's safe to say there are some interesting times ahead for KC.
Happy Reading!
Glen Laman
Editor
glenkcoba@gmail.com