They are running the Peachtree Road race in Atlanta as I write this morning. For many years I ran in what is reported to be the largest road race in the world boasting over 55,000 runners. The race is run over a 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) course through the city's streets each July 4th.
The competitors include many international runners who are attracted by the first prize of $15,000. The race has been dominated by Kenyans in recent years but last year Terefe Maregu of Ethiopia took the men's prize.
One competition of interest to the old boys is the search for the next principal of Kingston College. The job has been posted for several months and I understand that interviews have been conducted. We look to the school board making a wise decision that will have a positive impact on the college for years to come.
The Atlanta and Jamaica chapters recently elected new boards. Congrats to Winston Stewart and Dr. Ray Fraser who now head up their respective boards. After two years as President of Atlanta and three years as vice president, yours truly decided to step down and focus on some educational goals. Winston comes with an impressive resume from the New York chapter and we are looking for big things from him. Dr. Fraser has pledged to improve communication between the chapters and early indications are he really means business.
Dr. Fraser and several board members of the Jamaica chapter along with Audley Hewett of Florida recently met with acting principal Everton Burrell, vice principals, Marguerita Hall and Juliet Wilson, as well as key members of staff at Kingston College to develop a framework for improving communications between the college and the KCOBA. They also touched on issues such as the mentorship program, infrastructure, lab equipment, the e-learning program, water supply at North Street and the nutrition program.
It was revealed at that meeting that the government of Jamaica has provided KC with 100 new computers --70 desktops and 30 laptops -- which are already on site at the school. This is terrific news indeed, given the distressing reports earlier of computer labs being out of commission and several requests that were made to the chapters for computers.
The Peachtree Road race is now over and Sammy Kitwara of Kenya clinched his 5th win. Edith Hunkeler of Switzerland took the women's prize.
