The First Research Project for the Emrie James Museum
SAHS Student Blogger: Kashima Miller Hello. My name is Kashima Miller (2005-2013) and I am the first student to have undertaken a research project at the Emrie James Museum at St. Andrew High School (SAHS). This is what happened. I decided to visit the Emrie James Museum the following week after the museum opened (on April 8, 2011). While viewing the photographs, old badges and artwork etc, I ended up right back at the entrance where I noticed a storyboard image that seemed as if St. Andrew High girls were involved in a parade at the National Stadium.
I assumed they were at Jamaica’s first Independence Gala which was held August 6, 1962. I asked Mrs. Margaret Bernal, the Museum's Curator, as she seemed very friendly and she knew quite a lot about the school's heritage. However Mrs. Bernal wasn’t sure where the girls were; so she decided to give me the task of finding out exactly when and where the picture was taken. Mrs. Bernal recognized the girl leading the parade. Her name was Cherry Brady she was the Head Girl of St. Andrew High (1965-1966). Knowing that Cherry Brady was a Head Girl and the names of all the school's Head Girls are written on plaques in the Assembly Hall, I decided to visit there first. By reading the plaque I found out that Cherry Brady was the school's Head Girl in 1965-1966. I then went back to the Emrie James Muesum and wondered what my next move to achieving my goal was. Then it came to me; the School's Magazine!!! which was there in the museum as well. I looked through most of them until I found the year that Cherry Brady was Head Girl. I then went through all the school events for the term 1965-1966. Going through the school’s calendar I found a paragraph that wrote: "March 3rd⇒ Girls and Staff lined Half-Way-Tree Road on the occasion of the majesty the Queen’s visit. Guides were at Kings House. 200 Girls attended Youth Rally at the Stadium and Sixth Form joined in the march past." I FOUND IT!!! It was a really good feeling of accomplishment that I was given the chance to make my contribution to the Emrie James Museum. It wasn’t only about finding out about Old Girls (St. Andrew High alumni) but it was also about developing analytical skills and doing your part in adding to the school’s culture. I am proud of my school and encourage ALL including parents and members of the neighboring community to visit The Emrie James Museum at St. Andrew High School - 10 Cecelio Avenue in Kingston. Also, I will be aiming to attend the Jamaican Military Tattoo on June 28 so that maybe, just maybe, another student 50 years on could be inspired to write about this Jamaica 50 celebration :-). Will you be attending too?
--- Endorsed by: Mrs. Margaret Bernal - Museum Curator