THE students and teachers of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, located on Woolford Avenue in the City, was, on Tuesday last, presented with a Commercial Copier, accessories and printing paper to the value of 1.1 million GYD by 21 students who graduated from the school in 1988.

The timely gesture, which would boost the efficiency of the school with regards to providing a convenient service for its students and the school, which would enhance their ability to learn, was lauded by Deputy Head Mistress, Miss Khan.

Three of the students from the Class of 88: Hemant Narine, Yasmin Bowman and John Tularam were on hand to present the items (Canon 2630 Image Runner, 5 boxes each of letter and legal size paper extra toner and replaceable drum unit) to Miss Khan in the presence of some teachers and two female students, Beauty Razack and Nicole Gomes.

Bowman presented a commemorative plaque to Ms. Khan to celebrate and remember the moment while Narine gave a brief overview of how the initiative came into being.

He informed that back in 2018, a group of students from the Class of 88 met in New York and started discussions to host a reunion, which came off later that year in the summer and was attended by 51 persons.

It was at this reunion that students discussed what they can do for the school; the suggestion of a photocopier was then floated.

“Subsequently, Ms. Pam Walker contacted the HM, Ms. Melanie Jones, who said they needed a heavy duty copier. In 2019 when the school was celebrating its 75th anniversary, one student from the Class of 88 went by and he commenced discussions with HM Jones.”

The importance of the donation was underscored and the students commenced a robust fundraising drive towards purchasing the copier, which was achieved.

Deputy HM Khan, who started duties at the school last September, showered the Class of 88 with praise for their wonderful gesture even in the midst of the pandemic.

“We are truly blessed this afternoon, thankful and happy to be the recipients of this generous donation which would boost the schools ability to deliver a quality service to our students. We look forward to your continued support in whatever way which would be appreciated. It’s always nice when old students can give back; so thank you very much, it’s a pleasure.

The names of the 21 students are Gavin Thorne, Marc Joseph, Sunil Lakeraj, Parsaram Rajaram, Virgil Granger, Kumar Boddhoo, Rajesh Pritipaul, John Tularam, Jagivan Heeralall, Hemant Narine, Bibi S. Khan, Pam Walker, Dienne Baird, Lizette Stephens, Lakshmi Ramsahoi, Nanette Edwards, Nicole Lowe, Rajshri Beharry, Rhetta Jack, Yasmin Bowman and Shondelle Rodney.