SANTA CRUZ, ST. ELIZABETH — On September 6, 2025, the Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School, in collaboration with the Education Departments of the Jamaica Union and West Jamaica Conferences, celebrated its 5th Anniversary and Inauguration Service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Santa Cruz under the theme, “Building on the Foundation: Five Years of Faith and Learning”.
In September 2020, at the height of the global pandemic, the school opened its doors with just four staff members and 21 students. Guided by visionary leadership, strengthened by innovative marketing, and supported by the unwavering efforts of the Home and School Association, the institution has achieved remarkable growth over the past five years.
Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School, Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth. :: Photo credit: Contributed
Pastor Michael Henry, Education Director of the Jamaica Union Conference, reflected on the school’s founding purpose. He explained that the institution was born out of the vision of the West Jamaica Conference to meet the needs of children within the Santa Cruz District of Churches and its extended constituency.
“This institution was established in response to the vision of the leadership of the West Jamaica Conference,” Pastor Henry said, “to give the children of the church a safe space in which to be educated in keeping with the biblical injunction, ‘All thy children shall be taught of the Lord.’”
He added that the school embraces the conviction that every child belongs to Almighty God. “Each one is a soul for whom Christ died,” he emphasized, “and their salvation is His priority and should therefore be our first priority as well.
As part of the celebrations marking the school’s successful establishment and its formal recognition as a Seventh-day Adventist educational institution, Pastor Donovan Williams, Vice President of the West Jamaica Conference, expressed his pride in its development.
Leaders and administrators at the 5th Anniversary and Inauguration Service of Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School. From left: Pastor Donovan Williams, Executive Secretary of West Jamaica Conference; Mrs. Marion Barrett Popkin, Treasurer of West Jamaica Conference; Pastor Michael Henry, Education Director of Jamaica Union Conference; Mr. Everett Sutherland, Principal of Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School; and Pastor Stephen Drummond, Education Director of West Jamaica Conference. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
“I am delighted to celebrate with the Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School five years of existence,” Pastor Williams said. “It is a proud moment for us and for the parish of St. Elizabeth. I really have to say kudos to Pastor Stephen Drummond, our Education Director, and our president, Pastor Glen O. Samuels, who I can truly say are the fathers of this child. From the inception, they brought the idea together, and the leadership supported the plan.”
He acknowledged that establishing the school was not an easy decision and commended the Santa Cruz Seventh-day Adventist Church for its pivotal role in the institution’s success. With the Education Department’s commitment to strengthening Adventist education in the region and the urgent need for strong, faith-filled educators, Pastor Stephen Drummond, Education Director for the West Jamaica Conference, underscored the importance of Christ-centered teaching.
“As our world teeters on the edge of moral decay, we need men and women of sound judgment, who embrace the Word of God to stand before our boys and girls,” Pastor Drummond said.
He continued, “Our bound duty as Seventh-day Adventist educators is to lead those entrusted to our care to the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, who alone holds the master key to their souls.”
Mr. Lackette Cuff, former Principal of Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School, receives his award from Mrs. Keisha Allen, Principal of Harrison Memorial High School. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
The weekend culminated with an award ceremony recognizing five individuals who made an outstanding impact on the institution’s success: Mr. Lackette Cuff, Mr. Steve Powel, Mr. Keith Wellington, Mr. Christopher Thorpe, and Mrs. Rosalee Allie. Reflecting on the school’s journey, Mr. Lackette Cuff, Founding Principal of the Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School, shared his gratitude.
“From the early days of conceptualization to the realization of our vision, it has been an incredible ride, and I’m glad I was the driver,” he said. “This award I consider to be not just a recognition of my work and worth but it is also a testament to the tireless efforts of my colleagues, the commitment of our students, and the unwavering support of my family.”
Mr. Christopher Thorpe (left), member of the West Jamaica Conference Education Board with special oversight of the Mathematics Department in the six preparatory and two high schools in the constituency, accepts his award from Pastor Stephen Drummond (right), Education Director of the West Jamaica Conference. :: Photo credit: Cordel Brown
Current principal Mr. Everett Sutherland offered his perspective on the school’s future.
“We plan to expand our programs, strengthen parent and community partnerships, and integrate technology more meaningfully, while remaining committed to shaping lifelong learners and faithful citizens of God’s kingdom.”
What started as a modest enrollment of 21 students has blossomed into a vibrant student body of 246, demonstrating that a strong foundation is built on more than academics alone. Despite the economic challenges of recent years, the school has thrived, successfully undergoing its first evaluation by the Adventist Accrediting Association. To date, the Wellesley Gunter Preparatory School has proudly celebrated the graduation of 50 students.