Some Eight Mile Rock High School (EMRHS) graduates are collaborating to not only uplift themselves but also their beloved school. 

In early 2022, the group formed an organization named the EMRHS Reunion Group: Class of 1979, 1980 & 1981 which includes alumni working in various careers such as teaching, engineering, and politics.

To commemorate the reunion, the members of the group nicknamed themselves the Rocks Blue Jays, combining EMRHS' mascots before and after 1980 - The Rocks and The Blue Jays, respectively.

The group's president, Ellamae Turnquest, is ecstatic about the collaboration which was 30 years in the making.

Turnquest noted the group's vice president, Verna Grant tried multiple times before to organize a reunion, but each attempt failed to gain traction.

"Many times, there were attempts, but it never came to fruition," she said.

"Early March, I met a former classmate and we said, 'WhTy don't we just try and get the reunion going' and birthed it from there."

One hundred and twenty-five alumni were recruited from The Bahamas, United States, and Turks & Caicos with the assistance of Turnquest's resources, Grant's expertise, and the group's overseas committee members, Delores Grant, Roderick McKenzie, Deborah Johnson, and Jacquie Hart.

Turnquest described the regrouping as "magical" and the overseas members especially mirror her feelings.

Grant explained that moving abroad can be isolating and the group provides a sense of belonging.

She said, "I feel so incredibly blessed to have come full circle in my life to be reunited and in community once again with my fellow high school classmates."

Originally, the group was only intended to be a way for members to reconnect, but it quickly evolved into more.

As Grant explained, the mission became to "celebrate, commemorate, and cherish our tenure at EMRHS" through the achievement of the group's three objectives - to reinvigorate their relationships, to give back to EMRHS, and to assist EMR senior citizens that helped shape their school experiences.

To celebrate their reunion, the group organized various local social events such as meet and greets, beach fun days, motorcades, a wellness program, and church services. For those unable to travel, Zoom socials or meet ups were arranged in their respective countries.

As for paying it forward to their alma mater, the Rocks Blue Jays have already made significant strides.

On September 8, 2022, the EMRHS reunion group was registered and recognized as a non-profit organization.

As fundraisers, the Rocks Blue Jays organized a walkathon and hosted their first gospel concert which Grant described as a great success.

The group was able to donate an assortment of school supplies and a yellow elder tree towards the further beautification of the school.

A gala banquet was also arranged to honor the past faculty, administrators, and teachers of EMRHS.

"As a teacher myself, I gained a lot of knowledge from my past teachers," Turnquest said.

"They knew we had goals, we had drive and they were there to bring the best out of us."

Grant shares this sentiment.

"I felt that the school had a friendly, nurturing atmosphere," she said.

"I was challenged as a student to excel. It encouraged my love for learning, competition, and strengthened my abilities to connect people together, to network, and to problem solve."

Such honorees included their principal Albert Jones, vice principal Cecil Thompson, and teachers, Ann Elizabeth Russell, Judy Mae Rodgers, Huewitt Whylly, Leroy Miller, Sandra Lafleur, and Rudy Sands.

In 2023, the EMRHS Reunion Group hopes to expand its initiatives beginning with a mentorship program at the school.

Turnquest and Grant said they are dedicated to inspiring new generations of young adults to follow their passions and be the best citizens they can be.

There are also plans to continue beautifying the school starting with rebuilding the welcome sign at the entrance of the Eight Mile Rock High School.

As for assisting senior citizens, a program to distribute monthly food packages to senior citizens is being planned as well.

Though there is much work to be done, Turnquest said she's proud of what the group has achieved in its eight months.

To the Rocks Blue Jays, Grant said, "We've reunited for a reason; God is up to something. He's given us so much and it's time to give back. We're an amazing few so let's keep it going."

If you wish to join or donate to the EMRHS Reunion Group: Class of 1979, 1980 & 1981, contact Ellamae Turnquest at ladyroyale31@hotmail.com or Verna Grant at newlight07@hotmail.com. Please note that only Eight Mile Rock High School alumni of classes 1979 to 1981 are eligible to join.

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