QUEEN'S COLLEGE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
ISSUE NO. 11 JANUARY 2022
The Comet Connection "...connecting legends to the glorious future."
Q NOTES
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
LITTLE GREEN THUMBS
Rev Culmer provides a message about renewal | 03
Kentisha Ward, Co-Owner of Food Lab discusses Entrepreneurship | 06
Little Comets learning through sustainable food growth | 30
03 Q Notes 06 Alumni Spotlight 11 High School Band Competition 15 Leader in Me 18 Alumni in Action 27 Queen's College Turns 132! 30 Green Thumb Initiative 33 Vegan Chocolate Chip Recipe 35 Giving Back 37 Primary Year's in Service 41 In Memoriam 46 Planning Your Legacy 47 Annual Giving
Q Notes The past twenty months have been a time of great testing for our country and the world. We have had to make adjustments to living under Emergency Orders and trying to survive in a time of evolving regulations. As we journey into Advent, prepare for Christmas and the beginning of a New Year, it is imperative for each of us to reflect on our life’s journey. We have come this far, and by the grace of God, we will move forward with purpose into a new season. This period of the year is perceived as a time of joy and celebration but the many vicissitudes of recent times may make it difficult for some people to be filled with spontaneous joy. It is important that we become persons of hope. We may be in times of challenge now, but the future will change and we will overcome. We cannot lose hope; if it is lost, progress becomes very difficult. Each person is encouraged to make a daily effort to remain optimistic. As seasons change in nature we can be assured that the trials of this
pandemic will also one day come to an end. The following prayer was found on a prison cell wall in Cologne, Germany during World War II: “I believe in the sun, Even when it does not shine I believe in love, Even when I cannot feel it, I believe in God, Even when He is silent.” The message of Christmas is that God clothed Himself in frail humanity to identify with us. His advent into human history provided us with hope during a time of great oppression. His earthly example still models how to live out our purpose despite challenges. It is easy in times of blessing to be grateful, but we are invited by George Matheson, to thank God for the thorns of life. These seasons of difficulty can strengthen us and serve as a catalyst for our growth into stronger people.
May this wonderful season motivate each of
May each of you have a wonderful Christmas
us to seek occasions to impact the lives of
and a blessed New Year!
others in positive ways. We have been blessed
with
many
broaden
our
horizons
opportunities in
the
field
that of
education and life. Queen’s College, your alma mater, prepares to celebrate 132 years of
quality
education
and
continues
to
prepare young minds for the future. The unselfish example of the Christ child, who came to earth to save us, reminds us to value all people and to build a positive legacy that will outlive us.
Reverend L. Carla R. Culmer President, Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church Chairperson, Queen’s College Board of Governors
CONGRATS! NIKKIAH MEOSHI FORBES, MBBS, DM, FIDSA
Dr Nikkiah Meoshi Forbes, MBBS, DM, FIDSA was honoured by the IDSA among 199 other Distinguished Clinicians, Scientists with FIDSA Designation. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the nation’s leading infectious diseases professional society, recognizes the distinguished clinicians and scientists from the United States and around the world who were elected this year to be Fellows of IDSA.
Alumni Spotight
FEATURE
KENTISHA WARD Kentisha Ward, Co-Owner of the Food Lab
What year did you graduate from Queen’s College? 2005 In which Sports House where you place (Dyer Health King Rogers)? Heath What is your first memory of being on the QC Campus? I’m Special, You’re Special, We are all Special!
What were your interests while you were a student at Queen’s College? At QC, I became interested in sports that I do not think I would have obtained at another school. This fostered my competitiveness, which fuels
my
entrepreneurial
skills,
another interest formed at QC. What are your interests today? My interests and passion are to strengthen the community through
8 Spotlight
enhancing persons entrepreneurial skills. This has culminated in my current roles as The United Nations FAO Lead Consultant for an Agri-Business Incubator, Co-Founder of GROW: The Food Lab and an Entrepreneurship Lecturer at BTVI. What made you decide to become a QC parent, that is, to enrol your children at Queen’s College? This may be rhetorical, but I want my children to have the same foundation. When did you start working at Queen’s College, and what made you decide to apply and share your talents with your Alma Mata? I was offered the position by Dr Reginald Elden to instruct in the adult division of the Centre for Further Education. He saw my passion for
be resilient and a quick learner. Exposure to arts and
teaching entrepreneurship. The ability to give
creative thinking outlets allowed my mind to expand,
back to Queen’s College is humbling to me.
explore and execute! My teachers cared about my education and future, and THEY STILL DO! They were
How and why did you decide on your career
able to assess my learning style and push me to
path?
success. To this day, I am grateful.
Can I say the Career path chose me? After being made redundant at Baha Mar and with $10 left in
What is your philosophy to maintain a healthy work-
my pockets, and 3 college degrees, I had to do
life balance?
something quick! With a brain full of ideas and a
I am a hard worker and a humanitarian. I try to funnel
pocket full of dreams. I decided to carve out the
as much of my work to do things I enjoy, and it provides
road to establishing a new industry and a different
balance on workdays and try to spend as much time
way to experience fresh fruits. I thought about all
with my family on off days.
the fruits we know and love like soursop, mangoes, passionfruit, sugar apple, and so much
What teacher(s) stand out in your experience at
more. I began working on my first company Pop
Queen’s College and why?
Stop Handcrafted Gourmet Pops. “If you can pick
There are so many: Rev Cleveland Wells, was
it, we can pop it!”
passionate about teaching his class about God; that passion still lives in me. He would say, “Give me any
What would you say are the main areas in
word, and I will relate it to God”. He never failed. Mrs
which QC has informed you today?
Shawn Turnquest - not because I ended up in her office
My Teachers and the leadership. Queen’s College
a lot, well maybe. She believed in me and pushed me to
gave me the structure and foundation I needed to
my potential.
Congratulations!
D A N I ELLE M I L L ER Queen's College Class of 2011 on your Bar Calling
29 | Steam
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Organic & Natural Products
12 History
High School Band Competition By Penelope Nottage
(Class of ‘79)
Queen's College Wins! The Music Project is a High School Band Competition. It consists of music events, workshops, mentorship by Bahamian Recording Artists, and climaxes with the band
competition.
In
a
high-energy
concert
environment, high school bands battle it out for the best in Bahamian sound. The Project’s founders also hope to rebuild the entertainment industry by discovering young and upcoming bands and exposing young musicians to all aspects of the entertainment industry. The winning group receives major prizes, including: international travel and a chance to study music performance and sound design at the Berklee College of Music. (Information and pictures are courtesy of The Music Project Facebook page.) QC Thrive 2.0, the band from Queen’s College, took part in The Music Project in 2018 and won the first prize! They returned in 2019 as QC Thrive 2XL and won once again! We look forward to our band continuing to take part in this competition in the future and continuing in their winning ways. The 2018 performance can be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d1Yh65dRd0. The 2019 performance can be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvkUjAagqKk
Advertise Here If you are interested in sharing with the Queen's College community your special news, events or a business, contact us at alumni@qccomets.com. Your advertisement will be shared in The Comet Connection.
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Alumni In Action
19 Alumni
Class of 1980
Joshua Austin Ferguson
I am a good student and I am focused on my studies and perfecting my talent. Last year, as a Freshman, I was selected to participate in Berklee’s Voice Department, “Singer's Night Showcase.” I have also written, composed and performed my own songs. The listed link will take you to one of my pieces (https://soundcloud.com/user-960494332/bright-face). The Berklee Singer’s Night Showcase can be found at https://youtu.be/7sBIPuXyzCk; the last two performances are my featured selections. Both provide an opportunity for you to experience my versatility in music. I seek to cultivate passion and love for music and the arts in others through my music, my songwriting and direct relationships, as a mentor and teacher. Some areas I look forward to locally making contributions in are drama and production at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts; the National Independence Day celebrations and The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture summer music camps and cultural events. I will also seek to launch my own Arts & Culture Youth Development Center as I settle in my career.
I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music to achieve a higher skill level in performance, composition, and music theory. My goal is to become an internationally acclaimed artist and through my music, bring global exposure to the vast and varied talent pool the Bahamian people possess in performing arts.
I may be reached at JFerguson1242@gmail.com and look forward to providing you with a copy of my resume and a portfolio of other musical selections and drama accomplishments. I am hopeful that you will find me a candidate worthy of financial sponsorship as I embrace my gift in Music and the Arts. Joshua Austin Ferguson
20 Alumni
Class of 1999
21 Alumni
22 Alumni
23 Alumni
24 Alumni
BAHAMAS BAR ASSOCIATION QUEEN'S COLLEGE ALUMNI INDUCTED
Congratulations to our Past President, Kahlil D Parker, and other Comet alumni Lief Farquharson and Oscar Johnson on being appointed as Queen's Counsel at The Bahamas Bar. In his press statement Prime Minister Hon. Phillip Davis, QC, MP reminded Bahamians that the honour of QC is the highest in the legal profession and is bestowed in recognition of long years of esteemed counsel and service in the administration of justice in the land. We are so very proud of Kahlil (Class of '99), Lief and Oscar (Class of '76).
27 Celebrate
QUEEN'S COLLEGE TURNS 132! VIRTUAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION On Thursday, January 13, 2022, Queen's College turned 132. The milestone was celebrated with a virtual event where members of the Queen's College community came together to share stories, their talents, inspirational messages and birthday wishes. Joshua Ferguson (Class of 2020) shared with us a musical composition that he wrote, Just Let Heaven be Real. The event was opened with a message from the Vice-Principal and Head of High School. We were serenaded by the High School Choir, and the Cheer Group showcased their discipline through a celebratory cheer. Other students and staff, from across the school, also participated in the service. The celebration can be viewed on our YouTube page. Click the image above to view the special event. If you are looking for a practical gift to give to Queen’s College, you can donate funds through the QC website.
PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
THEOLOGY, ETHICS & SPIRITUAL FORMATION
BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
STUDENT ENRICHMENT
TASTE OUR
BON BONS
GREEN THUMB INITIATIVE FOUNDATION YEARS
World War II-era babies through to the
indoors with video games and other electronics and
Generation Xers often remember with longing a
are now realising that outdoor time is not just fun but
time when being outdoors was the highlight of
healthy and great for the environment.
the day. Digging in soil and dirt, trekking through a pond or a rocky ocean coastline
Gardening, for example, exposes students to science
habitat was the order of the day. When learning
and nature. Growing one's food for consumption can
through play was not just a catchphrase
develop a love for learning in children. If we take
pedagogy but an unconscious tool to build self-
gardening to its natural end (a farm to table
awareness and a healthy respect for nature.
atmosphere), we create a safe and inviting training ground that results in sustainable food security, a
Millennials and Gen z's trapped themselves
process that is invaluable.
31 Alumni
Gardening
nourishes
our
students'
seeds
of
responsibility, reasoning, collaboration, creativity and understanding. The act of watering their plant and protecting it from the elements like overexposure to sunlight and weeds shows students (that would ordinarily be too shy) that it's ok to express themselves, which they often do with shared activity and teamwork. Queen's College Foundation Years under the direction of Mrs Vivian Brown are embarking on a green thump program to build the same characteristics in our Little Comets. Mrs Brown uses gardening to reinforce Leader In Me principles. The students are trusted to manage the small things through to managing the plot of land reserved for the project. The students will be encouraged to dig in the soil and plant and water the vegetation, along with repotting harvesting. watching plants grow is a wonderful experience for Much of the seedlings were donated by the Queen's
our little Comets; they will have an opportunity to
College Interact Club (photo Kaiya Cargill, X-ay Godet,
show how they care for the earth and Mother Nature,
Christin McMillian Phase 2E, Danielle Russell 12M And
also developing the concept of healthy living and
ILan White 12D along with advisor Mrs Vivian Brown,
feeding themselves."
Lighthouse Coordinator FY and Mrs Amanda Wells, Deputy Head FY ), a sponsor of Rotary Club of East
For parents who wish to engage with the school and
Nassau who is responsible for the neighbourhood
build on the wonderful character traits gardening can
garden erected in the FoxHill community. Both
cultivate, please visit
initiatives were sparked and supported by groups like the
Department
of
Agriculture
(through
their
gardening kit) and the Caribbean Philanthropic
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyli ving/gardening-for-children for ideas.
Alliance - Bahamas Division.
We wish to thank the Rotary (RCEN) and Interact club
The program is hoped to expand into the Primary
Department
Years and High School, where students will be involved in the design, planning, cultivation and harvesting sale and use of the garden. Mrs Brown believes shares that "gardening is the study of life, the simple act of caring for the soil and
for
their
generous of
donation
Agriculture
along
with
the
and
Caribbean
Philanthropic Alliance - Bahamas Division for their support. If you would like to donate toward the purchase of soil and gardening tools and protective gear for the students, you can donate here.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies SERVINGS: 10
PREPPING TIME: 45 MIN
COOKING TIME: 15 MIN
Ingredients
Directions
100 ml milk
100 ml milk
50 g butter
50 g butter
3 eggs
3 eggs
1 tbs cocoa
1 tbs cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking soda
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, salt, and coconut oil until combined. 2. Whisk in non-dairy milk and vanilla, until all sugar has dissolved and the batter is smooth. 3. Sift in the flour and baking soda, then fold the mixture with a spatula, being careful not to overmix. 4. Fold in the chocolate chunks evenly. 5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. 6. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). 7. Scoop the dough with an ice cream scoop onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of space between cookies and the edges of the pan so cookies can spread evenly. 8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies just begin to brown. 9. Cool completely. 10. Enjoy!
Service
34 Clubs
GIVING BACK
THE QC CHROCHET CLUB In October 2021, The Queen's College Crochet Club made pink crochet bags to donate to The Cancer Society of The Bahamas. The young ladies, advised by Dr Kellock (and a few other teachers who are amongst their membership) showcased not only their skill but their dedication to advocacy for others. The students have shown how they utilise their Leader in Me teaching through the embodiment of the 8th Habit, "Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs." Ms Gibson, former Principal of Queen's College, who advocated for the Leader in Me program to be brought to Queen's College is also represented in this photo in the wreath that is in the background of the image.
35 Clubs
PRIMARY YEARS' IN SERVICE Primary Year's Student of the Year Presents Sister Sister representative with a token of support for their work with women and Breast Cancer awareness.
43 Service
FOUNDATION YEARS Turning Arts into Service At Queen's College we instill in our students the ideal of excellence. This incorporates the ideal of service and giving back. Our little ones (Foundation Years) put on a show for us in December 2021. They performed their hearts out. A portion of the proceeds from the showcase were donated to the Kemp Road Union Baptist Church and Urban Renewal (Kemp Road). It just shows that you are never too young to think of others and the impact you can make in your community.
Foundation Year teachers give to Kemp Road Community Church
QUEEN'S COLLEGE PTA
REGISTER NOW! SEE YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING
SENDING LOVE AND COMFORT
COMETS GONE TOO SOON
We are very sorry for your loss. May you find solace in your grief. Sincerely, Your Queen's College Family
39 In Memoriam
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Roger Kelty Vice Principal/Head of High School 1971-1981 Mr Kelty also served as a Trustee of the QC Foundation.
40 In Memoriam
In Memoriam
"For as long as there is a memory of them, they live on in our hearts."
Mr William Ricardo Godet, Father of Nurse Tatum Munroe Mother of Mrs. Shellen Wint-Grant, High School Teacher Mother of Mrs Edith Toote, High School Teacher Mrs. Delores Forbes, Mother of Mrs. Nekeva Moss, High School Secretary Mrs. Kinesha Ellis, Former Staff Member Joycelyn McDonald, Sister of Mark Munnings, QC Board of Governor's and QC Foundation
COMETS
RECONNECT! Calling all alumni! Queen's College wants to reconnect with you. Take a few minutes to fill out the quick survey linked below, so that we can stay in touch! ALUMNI CONTACT FORM Follow us on Facebook @QCAlumniAssociation
ry a E u S n ER Ja
BI
B
V E L
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
PHILIPPIANS: 4: 6 - 7
44 Giving
PLANNING YOUR LEGACY Giving back to Queen’s College through your estate shows your confidence in QC and the Methodist principles on which the school was founded. Legacy giving provides you and your family the opportunity to have a transformative impact on students lives and be intentional in providing support to areas that mean the most to you. To learn more about the new QC Legacy Society and legacy giving at Queen’s College, please contact D’Ondré Miller, the Development Coordinator, at dmiller@qchenceforth.com. When you consider leaving a bequest to Queen’s College, suggested wording might be: I give and bequeath to the Board of Governors of Queen’s College Holdings Limited, New Providence The Bahamas the sum of $___________ or ________% or ________shares of my estate Your decision to give back through a legacy gift might be in recognition of the impact Queen’s College and its staff have had on your life or as an expression of your gratitude for your experiences while a student, staff member, parent or friend of the school. You might also choose QC as the institution to pay forward the aid you received from a benefactor. As a Comet, you will have many reasons to choose from to remember your school “Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind.” Brandon Lee
in your estate plans. We are humbled by every one of them and thank you for the charitable bequest that
will
community.
provide
financial
benefits
to
the
45 Giving
ANNUAL GIVING ANNUAL FUND SUPPORTS EXCELLENCE: Comet Nation, Queen’s College needs you now more than ever. Gifts to the Queen’s College Annual Fund help to support the school’s mission and allows the school to direct your gift to the areas of the school’s greatest need. Your donation will provide for the high quality, impactful education that Queen’s College has come to be known. The greatest needs within the school would include those high priority initiatives such as curriculum enhancement such as the LeaderInMe and STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) Moving learning beyond the classroom to include practical experience. Your annual fund donation will also increase the financial assistance available to QC students. The past two academic years have been difficult for us all; donations to the annual fund are needed more than ever to help offset the costs associated with pursuing and developing a quality education at Queen’s College.
Mail: Cheque payable to Queen’s College C/O The Development Office Queen’s College P. O. Box N-7127 Village Road
Please send your Annual Fund gift today and
Nassau, N.P.
support your school in continuing its service to our
The Bahamas
students and the wider community. Website: www.qchenceforth.com/donate Call: (242)-677-7639 or 829-5164
QCAA
Contact your Alumni Association
The purpose of the Association is to assist in the promotion, education, and advocacy at and for Queen’s College, with particular regard to those things that encourage excellence. With contribution to the prusuit of good character, spiritual grounding and educational excellence; there is alignment with the vision, mission, goal, and character of Queen’s College.
Admin Office
Phone: E-mail: Website:
(242) 829 5164 alumni@qccomets.com qchenceforth.com/alumni