Contributed by Dr. Cherise Francis-Windle, class of ‘79

       In the 65 years since it was first commissioned, the St. Catherine High School (SCHS), has distinguished itself as an institution of higher learning, by the roll of graduates that call the school their Alma Mater. The Roster of former students who have distinguished themselves, professionally either nationally and or internationally, have hailed from all-walks of life, and have included what one might call an Honor’s Roll, due to their visibility and status. This Honor’s Roll, include: The Honorable Andrew Holness, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, and now the current Leader of the Opposition, and Leader of one of Jamaica’s and the Caribbean oldest Political Parties, The Jamaica Labor Party; Dr. Fay Brown, Director, Child and Adolescent Development school at the prestigious Yale University, Ms. Jennifer Yee-Sing,  (retired) Administrator at the University of Technology;  Labor law ,  Judge Garfield Willis, and Judge Jennifer Housen, recipient of the  New York chapter Alumni Association  outstanding alumni award. 

  It can be posited that these past students, have one common trait, and that is, they have all followed in the footsteps and path of distinction, led by trailblazer and pioneer, Ms. Maria Thompson-Rudduck-Nevins whom, we regret to say, has not been as heralded, but who truly deserves to be recognized and honored for her contribution and achievements, especially as a frontrunner. 

After many attempts, I finally caught up with the very busy Ms Maria Thompson-Rudduck- Nevins, on 4/24/13, one day after her last birthday. Speaking with this effervescent lady, one could never tell that she was 81.  Of course, the wit, charm, and dignity were evident throughout the entire conversation.  But, what was more remarkable was the razor-sharp memory of this octogenarian, who was indeed a delight to converse with and proved an impressive historian.  Ms Maria was in Florida visiting one of her two daughters, where she spends time between them and her 6 sons. She travels between Virginia, Florida and Jamaica. I caught up with her right on time because she was just getting ready to go to Jamaica to help one of her sons build a house.

Some might ask: why interview Ms. Maria? Well, In light of SCHS’s 65th anniversary scheduled for Saturday, June 22nd –Sunday, June 30th, 2013, the New York Chapter of SCHS .( led by Kenneth Cyrus, president) decided to interview this trailblazer of a lady. Well, this resilient woman is the very first student ever that attended St Catherine High School when the doors were opened in 1948. Ms. Maria, with a memory as sharp as a razor, related to me how it came about that she was the very first student to attend SCHS

Maria Thompson attended St Catherine Elementary School as a young girl. She was an active catholic and an avid member of the Girls Guide.  No ordinary student, her scholastic aptitude, involvement and participation in extracurricular activities were noticed by the principal. She was duly taken under the guidance of Chief Guide, Lady Badden –Powell, who became a mentor to this young student. So when it was time to sit the Jamaica Local examinations, Maria Thompson, the smart and talented student that she was, shone brilliantly. She was selected and invited by Sister Fidelis from St. Catherine Elementary School to attend what was to be the newly founded all girls, SCHC. This is where the pioneering spirit of Ms. Maria became evident. She took the invitation, left Cathedral High School (which later became St. Jago High School) and went to SCHS, becoming the very first student to attend.

St Catherine High School opened its doors to students, for the very time, on Sept 6th 1948.  Historically, there was only one student, and this was none other than Maria Thompson. She was the only student to attend the newly founded St. Catherine high School for girls!  She attended as the only student for the entire first semester!  During our conversation she was asked “How did it feel to be the only student?” She responded by relating how “lonely“it was, but like a true winner, Ms. Maria persevered. Ms. Maria explained that “There was no uniform when the school doors were first opened”. Hence, she donned a skirt and blouse and attended classes and assemblies.  Though she was the only student, school was still formal.

The first Principal was Sister Mercedes who made sure that Maria adhered to the rules of the new school. Given the stellar pupil that Maria was, this was not difficult. She mastered geography, taught to her by Ms. Irma Campbell and remembers that Father Ashe taught her English and Father Louis Grenier taught her Mathematics, She excelled.  She was awarded the first scholarship to complete her basic education at SCHS. Now, fast forward to the present generation where classrooms are overcrowded. What a fortunate student Ms. Thompson was! She was taught in the recreation hall, given up by the nuns, to accommodate the first classroom. She, undoubtedly, was a star pupil, So much so that she still found time to participate in helping to design the emblem for the SCHS. 

The second semester saw an additional ten students joining Maria Thompson at SCHS.  Now the students donned the uniform for the school. At that time, the colors were a red tunic, a white blouse and a red beret. Ms. Thompson remembers several students who were in attendance that second semester and the next. She fondly recalls the late Misrel Street, whom she recalls as being “very helpful”. She remembers Monica Webley, Zeta Walters, Esther Hinds, the late Cynthia Gordon, Irma Gayle, Cynthia Wilks, Jean Brown, the now ailing Laura Brownie, Monica Woon, and Eunice Chung ( she owns Sonny’s Supermarket). She also recalls when boys were allowed to attend SCHS. She recalled a few names of some of the first boys admitted: Kenneth Dillon, Errol King, and Maurice Martin.  

By the time, Ms. Thompson completed her education; she was a scholar and a pioneer; definitely a trailblazer who was way ahead of her time. With all the talent and education that she had, having been the only student, she learnt rather quickly. Now, it must be noted that by the time she attended SCHS she was all of sixteen. She had already completed some of her studies at the Cathedral High. The first graduation that occurred for the students of SCHS was held in 1955. Seven years after Maria Thompson’s first day as a student. By then, she was now Maria Thompson-Rudduck and had already made her exit as a student. After she completed her courses at SCHC she stayed and taught there for three years.  She fondly and proudly remembers the names of six of her students that she sent up to apply for national scholarships, five of whom passed and were awarded the coveted scholarships to attend Alpha Academy.

 Maria Thompson continued on her journey as a trailblazer. With a new husband, Mrs Maria Thompson, didn’t just settle into the then typical role of a housewife. She made her way to work in the University Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica and it was there that her leadership qualities were once again recognized.  She was selected to attend Michigan State University by the University Hospital to further her studies. Upon completion of her training and studies, Maria Thompson returned to serve for several years as linen and housekeeping supervisor.  From there, she worked at the Sheraton Hotel in Kingston as the first Jamaican Executive housekeeping supervisor. Mrs. Maria Rudduck, not fully satisfied, went on to start her own business and was CEO of Executive Housekeeping Services. This company that she birthed, provided trained staff to clean hotels and readied them for guests/visitors; and business offices throughout Jamaica. Some of her high profile accounts included the Courtleigh Manor Hotel, The Royal Caribbean hotel, The Canadian High Commissioner’s building and many more. 

Mrs. Maria Nevins (as she is now known) retired after many years as a business woman. This trailblazer has not stopped, maybe just slowed down for now. She continues to be a beacon for her family and to all students who will listen.  When asked if she knew that she was creating history Mrs Nevins humbly replied “No”.  She attributes her success, to what she learnt at SCHS and the beloved SCHS motto “Preces Et Opera Omnia Vincunt” – “Prayer and Work Conquer All”