
By Samuel Peters
In an effort to preserve and celebrate its rich sporting legacy, the Princess Margaret School (PMS) will commence accepting nominations for its 2024 Sporting Hall of Fame next Tuesday. The announcement came from Principal Dr Colin Greene during his recent appearance on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show.
“Last year, we started an initiative to introduce the Princess Margaret School Sporting Hall of Fame. That has generated a lot of interest and conversation – some pros, some cons,” Dr Greene revealed. “This year, we’re starting earlier with the sensitization process to ensure everyone understands how it works.”
The nomination period will run from next Tuesday 21st January to February 6th, with inductees to be honoured during the school’s sports day on February 19th, which coincides with the institution’s 70th anniversary celebrations themed “Reunion 70.”
A distinguished five-member selection committee has been assembled, featuring Hall of Famer Agatha Dublin, renowned track athlete and coach Teddy Daley, past student Petra Williams, alumni representative Laurie Freeland, and Dr Greene himself. This committee will evaluate nominations based on comprehensive criteria, including school representation, national participation, and broader sporting contributions.
“We’re not just looking at school-level achievements,” Dr Greene emphasized. “While those are important, we’re particularly interested in individuals who have made their mark at national, regional, and international levels.”
The initiative extends beyond simply recognizing past achievements. “By inducting people into the Hall of Fame, we aim to inspire our current students. It’s crucial for them to understand that everything didn’t start and end with them – there’s a rich history of excellence to uphold,” Dr Greene explained.
Nominations will be accepted through a Google Form available on the school’s official Facebook page. Both nominators and seconders must be past students of PMS, and nominations should include detailed profiles of candidates’ accomplishments with supporting evidence.
The school anticipates inducting approximately 10 individuals this year, though the final number will be determined by the selection committee. Each inductee will receive a commemorative plaque and school memorabilia, all produced in-house at PMS.
Dr Greene also highlighted that coaches and administrators who have contributed significantly to PMS sports, regardless of their alma mater, are eligible for consideration. However, he stressed that any nominees who have brought their sport, team, club, country, or school into disrepute will not be considered.
“This is not a ‘boy boy’ thing,” Dr Greene asserted. “We have developed a comprehensive process because we take this very seriously. It’s about documenting our history, celebrating excellence, and inspiring future generations.”
Past students worldwide are encouraged to participate in the nomination process, with the school particularly interested in recognizing achievements from different eras to ensure a balanced representation in the Hall of Fame.
The initiative has already sparked considerable interest, with past students from as far as New York reaching out to discuss potential nominees. This enthusiasm, according to Dr Greene, underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the school’s sporting heritage for future generations.