Ivorine Thompson, a teacher at Windward Road Primary School, receives roses from her students Kimmani Barrett (right), Makenna Smith (left), and Taravi Thomas at the institution yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Representatives from the island's national carrier, Air Jamaica, gave teachers at Windward Road Primary and Junior High School a well-deserved break from teaching yesterday, as they took over the classrooms.

As a special Teachers' Day gift, the flight attendants, marketing officers and maintenance workers from Air Jamaica came out in their numbers to support, treat and assist the more than 60 educators at the Kingston school.

Marketing coordinator at Air Jamaica, Sharon Bailey, said the company had been conducting similar ventures at the institution for close to 10 years - ever since Air Jamaica adopted the school.

The aim of the Teachers' Day programme is to show appreciation to educators for their valuable contributions to education and outstanding work in moulding the youths of the country.

"What we try to do is to give the teachers a break, so the staff comes in and takes over the classrooms, while the teachers will relax and supervise," Bailey said.

This year, Air Jamaica also invited a number of special guests to come in and conduct rap sessions and short motivational talks with the students.

These included radio and television personality Jennifer 'Jenni Jenni' Small, entertainer Richie Stephens and aspiring commercial pilot Roberto Moreland.

Urged to aim high

Stephens brought energy and excitement to Dahlia Thompson's 8W classroom as he told the students, through song, that they were champions and winners in their own right.

He also encouraged those with musical talent to aim for the stars, while remaining committed to their academic pursuits.

A few of the girls in the class stood up on visibly wobbly legs - due to nervousness - to show off their singing abilities to the popular entertainer.

Twenty-one-year-old Moreland also brought words of wisdom and encouragement to students in 7W. The young Denham Town resident has soared high above the odds and has graduated from the Caribbean Aviation Training Centre as a privately licensed pilot.

Strive for better

Moreland graduated with the second-highest score in his class and the award for the most improved student.

He told the students that despite growing up in one of Jamaica's toughest inner-city communities, he has made the decision to not "take up the gun", but to strive for better.

"Once you put your mind to something, you can achieve it," he told the students.

With so much excitement and activity, the teachers could do nothing but sit, relax and enjoy their special day.

athaliah.reynolds@gleanerjm.com