TARRANT HIGH: Learning for service
ON WEDNESDAY, November 16, 2016,
Youthlink was greeted by the anxious faces of students, anticipating teachers and welcoming leaders at Tarrant High School.
The school was established as a senior school, intended to serve the needs of 11-to-15-year-old students of neighbouring all-age schools which were converted to junior schools. Designed by the building section of the Ministry of Education and built by the firm Vaccino Brothers, Tarrant, at the time, featured the most modern design of the period, with ranchtype buildings. The decorative blocks allowed for maximum ventilation, the school boasted the largest auditorium on the island, and it also had the best pavilion. It was completed in March 1961.
Reverend J.T. Clarke, B.A., was selected as the first chairman of the board, and Mr J.W. Davis, then principal of Half-Way Tree All-Age, was appointed as its first principal. A staff of 14 was selected, and the first staff meeting was held on April 10, 1961. The school’s admission register shows that registration of students first took place on the April 17, 1961, with 671 students admitted. Classes began one week later, but it was not until March 8, 1962 that it was officially declared open by the then Minister of Education, the Most Honorable Sir Florizel Glasspole. Since then, there have been a number of changes, from school leaders to the style of uniform worn.
The school’s motto, ‘Learning for Service’, provides a platform for all students and teachers, emphasising continued growth and success as they contribute their service in the global community. Tarrant is not shy when it comes to boasting about its progress, and the school is especially proud of the number of teachers and students who have gained higher education and are serving at all levels in various organisations throughout Jamaica and the world.