Vaz Prep's 75th anniversary gala aims to honor legacy and raise funds

Vaz Preparatory School, a significant contributor to Jamaica's education system for 75 years, is set to host its anniversary gala on Saturday, September 12, at the AC Hotel in Kingston. The black-tie event, themed "Honouring Our Legacy. Inspiring the Future," carries multiple objectives, according to Peter Richardson, president of the Vaz Preparatory School Past Students Association (VPSPSA).

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The gala carries our anniversary theme, “Honouring Our Legacy. Inspiring the Future.” Its aims are threefold.

The gala's primary aims include honoring the legacy of founder Mrs. Hazel Vaz, recognizing main honoree Mrs. Beverley Ulett, and celebrating over 30 educators and staff who have dedicated more than 20 years to the school, with some serving over 50 years. Additionally, distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields will be acknowledged.

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First, to honour the legacy of our founder Mrs Hazel Vaz, OD, to formally honour our main honouree Mrs Beverley Ulett, and to honour 30 plus educators and staff who have served Vaz for over 20 years, with the longest-tenured over 50 years, and to recognise alumni who have excelled across multiple disciplines.

A key objective is to reunite the global Vaz Prep family, comprising graduates from Jamaica, North America, and beyond. Furthermore, the event serves as a crucial fundraising initiative. Proceeds will directly support the school's future endeavors, including scholarships for deserving students, the installation of solar energy systems, the creation of a modern STEAM laboratory, and enhancements to the Creative Centre, originally founded by Mrs. Ulett.

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The second, is to reunite the global Vaz Prep family, which has graduates across Jamaica, North America and beyond.

Ambassador Lloyd Carney, CD, Jamaica’s Special Investment Envoy and founder of the school's computer labs, will deliver the keynote address. The gala will be hosted by Fyah 105 FM’s DJ Bambino and Captain Roxette Nickle, JP, with musical direction by Joe Davis and live saxophone interludes by Raheem Vassell. The event will also feature the "Voices of Vaz" series, highlighting alumni journeys, fine dining, and awards, with graduates from seven decades expected to attend.

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Thirdly, to raise funds for the school’s next chapter: scholarships for deserving students, a solar energy installation to secure the school’s future, a modern STEAM laboratory, and upgrades to the Creative Centre, which Mrs Ulett herself founded.