From strong roots to new growth, LASCO Teacher & Principal Awardees bloom
- Breakthrough Communications
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Foundation Chairman reaffirms commitment to expanding programme
Against a backdrop of garden-inspired décor reflecting this year’s theme, “Education: Stabilising Roots While Embracing Change,” some of Jamaica’s educators were celebrated for their outstanding contributions at the 2025 Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards. Hosted by LASCO through the LASCO Chin Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI) and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), the programme highlighted how educators act as the quiet but powerful gardeners — planting seeds of knowledge, nurturing growth and preparing future generations to thrive and embrace change, even amidst challenges.
Of the 72 educators celebrated at the ceremony, nine finalists were selected for top honours across three categories. This year, Dorette Rhoden-Henry, deCarteret College was named Teacher of the Year, Gavin DeRizzio of Vauxhall High School received TVET Teacher of the Year, and Orville Anthony Richards, St. Mary Technical High School was awarded Principal of the Year. Coming out on top, the three winners distinguished themselves through excellence, innovation, and impact within their respective fields.
In the aftermath of last year’s active hurricane season, organisers made a deliberate decision to move the 2025 awards from December to March, recognising that Jamaica’s schools, teachers, and wider education community required time to rebuild, recover, and regain their footing. The adjustment made the ceremony even more meaningful, reinforcing the awards’ purpose of celebrating educators who continue to provide strong foundations and unwavering support for students — both inside and beyond the classroom.
Strong partnerships, strong systems
James E. D. Rawle, CD, Chairman of the LASCO Chin Foundation emphasised the significance of the theme.
“It speaks directly to this moment. It reminds us that strong systems are built on strong partnerships, and in this regard, we acknowledge the Jamaica Teaching Council, whose ongoing collaboration with LASCO helps to anchor this programme in purpose, integrity, and national impact. Together, we continue to strengthen the foundation in education in Jamaica, ensuring that our educators are supported, recognised, and empowered to thrive, no matter the challenges they face,” Rawle said.
He further reaffirmed LASCO’s commitment to the Teacher and Principal Awards as well as the Foundation’s initiatives supporting police officers and nurses, noting that, “We are proud to support initiatives that recognise and uplift educators who are making a meaningful difference. Their contribution to national development cannot be overstated. We also recommit to enriching, expanding and deepening all our programmes throughout the rest of the year and beyond.”
In her remarks, the Honourable Rhoda Moy Crawford, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, shared similar sentiments while reflecting on the wider impact of educators.
Crawford expressed, “When we invest in teachers, we invest in positive outcomes. Across Jamaica today, there are more than 30,000 educators working at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, each playing a vital role in shaping the mind and futures of our young people. Their work is not only foundational to student success but also critical to national development.”
“The programme has demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovation in the face of challenge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when school gates were closed, the spirit of education remained open and alive. More than 100 educators were recognised for their extraordinary efforts to sustain the teaching and learning process under unprecedented circumstances. Similarly, the dreadful Hurricane Melissa was no match for our determination to ensure the continuation of teaching and learning. These are powerful reminders that education is not confined to physical spaces — instead, it lives in our individual and collective dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment,” the State Minister added.
Both Teacher of the Year Dorette Rhoden-Henry and TVET Teacher of the Year Gavin DeRizzio, acknowledged for their outstanding teaching, student engagement, and commitment to strong academic and skills-based outcomes, embraced the State Minister’s sentiments as a powerful affirmation. Principal of the Year Orville Anthony Richards, recognised for his transformative leadership at St. Mary Technical High School, where he has advanced technical and vocational education through sustainability-driven initiatives, similarly echoed the importance of resilience, innovation, and purpose in education. Each winner received a cash prize of JM$120,000.00, gift baskets courtesy of LASCO and the opportunity to attend the 2026 Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Conference, scheduled for June 28 to July 1, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
Their collective achievements underscored a central message of the programme that educators are the gardeners of society. By sowing seeds of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration, they nurture students to embrace changes — whether driven by natural disasters or rapid advancements in global technology — with grace and confidence.
Through programmes like the Teacher, TVET Teacher, and Principal of the Year Awards, the LASCO Chin Foundation continues to ensure that Jamaica’s roots remain strong, fertile, and ready to weather any storm. The 2026 awards will mark the 30th anniversary of this esteemed programme, a testament to decades of recognising excellence in education and strengthening the nation through the educators at its forefront.
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