In a bid to formally recognize Bahamians who dedicated their lives to education, post Independence, the government has continued with a school renaming exercise, which commenced a few years ago. On Thursday, March 19, the Oakes Field Primary underwent a renaming exercise and now bears the name of veteran educator and avid gardener, Mrs. Eva Hilton (nee Godet).

Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry was in attendance to cement the event. The Prime Minister said that he was ‘humbled’ and privileged to participate in the ceremony. He said that Mrs. Hilton’s legacy in the field of education was synonymous with excellence.

“Mrs. Hilton was, indeed, a career educator who, like many women of her time, made the schools in which she served, an extension of her home.” He said. “The values and principles that she instilled in her biological children were the same ones implanted in the hearts and minds of her pupils. She was an exemplary role model and served with pride and distinction.”

Mr. Christie also said that he was especially proud that Mrs. Hilton was still alive to receive the accolades due to her.

Minister of Education, Hon. Jerome K. Fitzgerald congratulated Mrs. Hilton for her dedication to education and said that every effort was being made to support the school, which has one of the best academic and parent-teacher associations in the public school system. Mr. Fitzgerald said that the school will undergo an expansion during the summer and it is anticipated that students will have an enhanced campus during the new school term in the fall.

“The renaming of the Oakes Field Primary School to the Eva Hilton Primary School is a testament to what our scholars and our educational system can accomplish,” he said. “With citizens of excellence, our country can be transformed, one student at a time.”

The school’s new patron was born in Steventon, Exuma on the 24th June 1933. She is the fourth of fourteen children born to the late Edward and Rebecca Godet. She is the wife of Attorney T. Langton Hilton and the couple has six children and six grandchildren.

Mrs. Hilton started out in the teaching profession after pursuing studies at the Bahamas Teacher Training College in New Providence. She also attended the University of Dundee in Scotland and the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota.

As an educator, she has made the rounds in the public school system, starting out first as a Pupil Teacher at Eastern Junior and Senior Preparatory Schools; Student Teacher at Southern Junior and Senior Schools, Assistant Teacher at Western Preparatory School as well as Eastern Junior and Senior and also at the Pyfrom Road Secondary School. She served as the Vice Principal of Yellow Elder Primary School and Oakes Field Primary School. Later on, she went into Supervisory Services at the Ministry of Education. Her career in education spanned more than 40 years. Mrs. Hilton retired from the Ministry of Education in l987 and has redirected her time and attention to church ministry.

The Oakes Field Primary School acquired its name from Sir Harry Oakes, a former resident and noted figure in the development of the country. The school was established at its present site in l966 under the leadership of Her Excellency, Dame Ivy Dumont. In l967, educational pioneer, Rev. Dr. Charles W. Saunders, led the school. Mrs. Eva V. Lockhart later succeeded him. At that time, the population of the school was approximately 500 students and most the teachers were British. During Mrs. Lockhart’s tenure, students from the deaf unit were amalgamated with students in the regular classroom, a venture that proved to be a success for the school.

Then in l974, Mrs. Eva Hilton took on the title of Principal of the school. She fostered a culture of excellence in the school and along with her faculty and staff, adopted the motto, “Children have more need of models than of critics.”

Mrs. Beryl Seymour later succeeded her in l983. Successive principals included: Mrs. Coral Knowles, Mr. Wenly Fowler, Mr. Albert Clarke Jr. and presently, Mrs. Beryl Gray.

Oakes Field Primary boasts of several accomplishments including recipient of the coveted Harriet Pratt Quality School Award (10 consecutive years); the Valderine Romer Floating Trophy for Academics (10 consecutive years); 1st Place in Sports for the Northwestern District, 1st Place in Parental Involvement; 1st Place in Student’s Attendance and 1st Place in Sports.

Currently, the school has a population of 633 students, with an average class size of 35 students. The staff consists of 24 trained teachers, two teacher’s aides, three supply teachers, one senior clerk, one clerical assistant, six janitresses, two janitors, one maintenance man, four security officers, and a nurse.