KCOBA USA Inc. (NY Chapter) recently hosted its 31st Annual Reunion & Awards Dinner in Queens Village, NY. As in previous years, the honorees were members of the Fortis family who have served Kingston College in various capacities through the nine decades of the institution’s history. This year’s honorees were Basil Anderson distinguished old boy; Michael ‘Q’ Bennett old boy, Physics laboratory technician, Cadet Master and Key Club advisor; and Livingstone ‘Danny’ Young old boy and a long serving member of the board of the New York chapter. All three gentlemen have made their mark on generations of students who have attended Kingston College.

President Bloomfield gave a glowing presentation on the current status of the association’s work and highlighted the success of the Scholarship Program which was increased by 20% this school year to sponsor 40 students; the new FortisCare Backpack project providing students with a backpack, personal and school supplies; and the Baxter Math Club whose members continue to standout in their performance in the classroom.

The keynote address was given by the school’s Principal Mr. Dave Myrie and he noted that while progress has been made since the start of his tenure in September 2012, a lot more remains to be done, hard decisions will have to be made and success can only be achieved with the cooperation of all the stakeholders. He highlighted his emphasis on improving the general environment of the institution, making it more conducive to learning and reported on some of the successes that have been realized to date. He pointed to the KC Library & Technology Capital Campaign that was initiated by the chapter as the next phase of improvement to the school and implored everyone to get involved.

Mr. Anderson continues to be involved with his alma mater and recently co-chaired the KC Library & Technology Capital Campaign to modernize the library and information technology capability of the school which includes the completion of the Douglas Forrest Building. In accepting his award he urged the old boys to give back to the youngsters at school so they too can have successful futures. Mr. Bennett who has been associated with Kingston College for over forty years was appreciative of the recognition and outlined that he was proud of the fact that many of the boys whom he had mentored in his role of head of the Cadet Corps and the Key club have gone on to become outstanding young men in their chosen professions. For his part Livingstone Young was happy to be recognized, but noted that when he first got involved with the association he was merely giving back to the institution that was responsible for his development.

All three honorees were also given citations by New York State Assemblyman, Hon. N. Nick Perry. Additionally, Principal Myrie was presented with a plaque in recognition of the great working relationship that has been established between his administration and the chapter.

The proceedings were presided over by Master of ceremony Jeff Barnes OD, whose introduction of speakers was interspersed with light humor; this ensured that a thoroughly enjoyable evening was enjoyed by all the attendees. The evening’s entertainment was provided by the soulful Miss Heather ‘Brown Sugar’ Grant, the first female winner of the Jamaica Festival Song competition 1992, she enlisted the help of attendees in belting out some of Jamaica’s favorite tunes and she was complimented by Soul Tone Disco with DJ Prentice.

KCOBA USA Inc. is grateful for the turnout and support of our 31st Annual Reunion Souvenir Journal.