Ebony Grove High: Empowering Students, Engaging Community
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Ebony Grove High Is Claiming Its Place in Clarendon
In this special edition of the SRC Community Corner Live Forum, we spotlighted Ebony Grove High School — a school transforming lives through leadership, care, and community involvement. The event focused on the theme: “Empowering Students, Engaging Community.”
Guests included:
Principal Marjorieth Manning
Senior Teacher Violet Manning-Porter
Top Student Shada Forrest (2024–2025)
PTA President Sandra Sitcheron-Kiddoe
Ebony Grove’s Legacy and Vision
Founded in 1995, Ebony Grove High sits on 30 serene acres in Tollgate, Clarendon. While not yet fully government-run, the school continues to serve students in neighbouring farming communities.
Principal Manning, who began her post in May 2025, is driving renewed growth and focus:
Small class sizes for individualised student support
Early CXC preparation from Grade 10
Strong technical programmes in food & nutrition, agriculture, and building technology
Goal: Achieve full government status and infrastructural growth
Community at the Core
Community engagement is at the heart of Ebony Grove’s transformation:
On July 8, staff led a Drive-Through Motorcade through Tollgate and nearby districts
Ebony Grove reactivated its Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok presence
Alumni like Sergeant Sweeney have pledged support to rebuild a vibrant past students’ network
“Ebony Grove is your school — it belongs to the community,” said Principal Manning.
Student Spotlight: Shada Forrest
Top student Shada Forrest credited her success to caring teachers and community support. She encouraged new students to work hard, regardless of the school they attend. She also proudly represented the school in food and nutrition and the 4-H Club.
“It’s not the name of the school — it’s the effort you put in and the motivation around you.”
Parent Power: Sandra Sitcheron-Kiddoe
PTA President and proud mother of Shada, Sandra Sitcheron-Kiddoe is a powerful example of engaged parenting. She attends nearly every school event and mentors not just her daughter but many students in the area. She urged other parents to show up and support their children’s education.
“Ebony Grove’s teachers are unmatched. If they can’t help a child, no one can.”
Senior Teacher Speaks: Violet Manning-Porter
Senior Teacher Manning-Porter, with long-standing service to Ebony Grove, expressed pride in witnessing the remarkable transformation of students. Many enter the school at Grade 7 and graduate having earned multiple CXC subjects. She also reflected on the school’s past initiatives to uplift the wider community, including evening classes in dressmaking and drapery. Looking ahead, she envisions a future where parents from all across Clarendon confidently choose Ebony Grove as the school of choice for their children.
“Ebony Grove is a place where real change happens. The environment is built for transformation.”
Co-Curricular Rebirth: Culture and Creativity
Ebony Grove is reinvesting in student talents through clubs and competitions:
Active 4-H Club and Cadet Unit
Music Club launching in September
Plans are underway for Culture Club and JCDC participation in singing, drama, and poetry
💬 JCDC Clarendon Parish Manager, Mr. Marshalleck, is committed to working with Ebony Grove to enter JCDC competitions for 2026.
💬 HEART’s NYS Officer (in the chat) also pledged future collaboration to support student development.
August Events – Save the Dates
August 12 – Health Fair, Sports & Concert
Free dental and health checks, school supplies, and wellness services
Activities include bounce rides, 6-a-side football, and an evening concert
August 14 – Community Walkthrough
Staff and students will walk door-to-door through the Ebony Grove Housing Scheme
Inviting families to enrol and engage with the school
“We’re not just talking about community — we’re walking it.”
Second Chances & Scholarships
Ebony Grove is a place for second chances. Many students who struggled elsewhere have blossomed at the school:
Students have moved from failing to earning 4–6 CXC subjects
Over J$600,000 in scholarships were awarded this year
Recognised students: Ruan McKenzie (Top Grade 7), Devisha (music), and several Grade 10 students
Looking Ahead: A Technical Education Hub
Principal Manning outlined a bold technical vision for Ebony Grove:
Expanding programmes to include Plumbing, Auto Mechanics, Robotics, Cosmetology, and Visual Arts
Plans for a Wellness Gazebo on campus
Collaboration with RADA to restart agricultural production and rebuild the chicken coop
“We don’t just want sponsors — we want partners in building a self-sustaining school.”
Final Word from SRC
Ebony Grove High School is rising not just academically, but as a symbol of what happens when vision meets community action.
With dedicated teachers, committed parents, and growing partnerships, Ebony Grove is no longer a hidden gem. It is a school on the rise, grounded in values and poised for greatness.
📌 Follow @ebonygrovehigh on social media
📌 Stay connected with SRC
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