La Sonja Harrison inspires Old Harbour Primary graduates

Held under the theme ‘150 Years of Excellence: A Legacy Built, A Future Inspired’, the event coincided with the school’s 159^th anniversary, adding an extra layer of significance to the celebration. Harrison’s message, guided by her personal theme ‘I Can Be the Change’, offered an empowering call to action that resonated deeply with the graduates and their families.

Harrison, a past student of Immaculate Conception High School and the president-elect of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), spoke passionately to the 230 graduates about knowing their purpose, seeking God, and embracing their role as agents of change in society.

“Many people are unhappy in their jobs today,” she said with conviction. “They are not walking in their purpose because they didn’t seek God who created them. They followed the world’s idea of what are the best jobs so they are not fulfilling what God wanted them to do. We must help our children, from they are young, to be agents of change.”

With verses from the Bible, personal stories of her own struggles, and engaging food for thought, Harrison captivated the audience for 36 minutes. She kept the graduates alert and involved, calling on them to repeat affirmations, answer questions, and reflect on their personal journey. Her message extended beyond the graduates, reaching parents and guardians with timely reminders of their responsibility to guide, protect, and empower their children.

“Some parents want to live their lives through their children, wanting them to become what they didn’t become,” she pointed out. “Wherever you see the skills and abilities, nurture it. All children did not come here to do the same thing… the world would be so boring if we were all doctors and lawyers. What would we do without plumbers… farmers? Food security will become the greatest thing that we face as a nation in short order. Follow the news about World War III, if we can’t feed ourselves, no amount of doctoring, lawyering… not even teaching, we are going to be in problems if we can’t feed ourselves”

The veteran educator emphasized the value of vocational and practical skills, urging students to consider hands-on subjects in high school as pathways to success. “If they have Home Economics or Interior Design at your high school, pursue it. There’s big money in doing subjects like those. Professionals who have these skills can’t die of hunger because they don’t depend on just one thing,” she advised. 

She also encouraged students to remain in a flexible learning mode, explaining that with the constant increase in knowledge, they may have to unlearn and relearn new concepts in high school. She told them not to fear failure, calling it a necessary part of growth. “Failure is not final, don’t think it’s a bad thing” she said. “It’s a chance to learn and try again. Mistakes are part of life so you should learn from them and get back up.”

Beyond academics, Harrison touched on life values, encouraging students to participate in clubs, be selective with friendships, and have a healthy mindset about family and the future. “Students, friends are important but you’re not going to high school to get a diploma in friendship. That won’t get you into university,” she warned.  

Her lesson to parents was equally delivered. “If our children don’t wish to have children of their own,” she said. “In the future when you go to the doctor, you will not have any doctor to look after you. You will not have persons to service the different agencies if your children don’t want to be married and get children when the appropriate time comes. Also, monitor the phones… run midnight watch. And buy phones you know how to operate, so the children can’t lock you out of them.”

Before leaving the stage, Harrison had the graduates repeat a rousing declaration —one that encapsulated her entire message: “If Jamaica’s crime rate is to go down, teenage pregnancy rate to decrease, Jamaica to have less single parent homes and more nuclear families, Jamaica’s corruption index rating to improve, righteousness is to exalt Jamaica, Jamaica’s innovations to come forth, Jamaica is under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race, I will, I must be the change.”

Support for the ceremony came from a wide cross-section of community stakeholders, including Member of Parliament candidate Dr. Kurt Waul, representatives from Old Harbour and Friends (OHAF), Mike’s WiFi, Old Harbour High School, Old Harbour New Testament Church, W & B Hardware, Progressive Learners, and the Stony Hill HEART Academy 89/90 Foundation. 

Located in Marlie Acres, Old Harbour Primary School was established in 1875 as the first school in the town and has since grown into a cornerstone of education in the Old Harbour community.