The Ottos Comprehensive School (OCS) is gearing up for a grand celebration to mark its 50th anniversary in September.
Under the theme “Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future”, the OCS 50th Anniversary Steering Committee has organised a week-long celebration from September 7 to 14.
Principal Foster Roberts told Observer, “The school has been making a sterling contribution to nation-building in a number of ways.”
He noted the impact of the institution, which has played a pivotal role in educating generations of Antiguans and Barbudans since its establishment in 1974.
The anniversary week will kick off with a gospel concert on September 7 at Mount Zion Church, and end with a gala awards dinner at Sandals Grande Antigua resort the following Saturday.
Other events include an open day on the Thursday which will allow the public to view the school in action, see its accomplishments, and interact with the principal and teachers.
“Anybody who wishes to be a part of the group can visit the school and be a part of the opening,” Roberts stated.
A school uniform jam on the Friday evening will be open to alumni besides those from OCS.
“You just show some respect to your school uniform … last year we had prizes, and I’m sure that the committee is looking at it again. You may have prizes and surprises, maybe for the school that has the most representatives,” Roberts said.
Meanwhile, security measures are being prioritised for all events, especially in light of recent crime concerns.
“We hope to have the police in attendance to make sure that everything is safe from a security standpoint,” Roberts assured.
He mentioned that last year’s events included metal detectors, and similar precautions are expected this year.
During the culminating event – the gala awards dinner – past principals of OCS will be recognised, including the first principal of the school, Leah Sampson.
“Tickets for the gala are $200 per person,” Roberts said, “and the event starts at 6:30pm with a red carpet entrance.”
