During her retirement celebration, Mrs. Cecelia Rock was recognised for her dedication and commitment to her profession.

Rock celebrated at retirement function

Described as a dedicated and committed teacher and educator

 

The Erdiston Teachers’ Training College recently held a Retirement Celebration for former tutor Mrs. Cecelia Rock, at the Crane Resort in St. Philip.
 
Rock, who was described as a dedicated and committed teacher and educator, spent ten of her 42 years in the teaching service at the training college.
 
Principal of the College, Barbara Parris, spoke glowingly of Rock, who officially demitted office on June 2, 2016.
 
“She joined us at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College in September 2006 as a tutor, having served at Harrison College and the Garrison Secondary School, among others. At the latter, she was a year head. She was appointed to the staff of Erdiston College in September 2011. Cecelia taught English, her area of specialisation, throughout her tenure. She was conscientious and reliable and unrelenting in her efforts to assist student teachers. The examination results bore evidence of her indefatigable efforts,” Parris remarked.
 
Parris also spoke of Rock’s fervent love for God, her family, inclusive of her husband Jefferson and son Jeriah, and her church. She also noted that she was a praying woman, who exuded a calm in the midst of turmoil.
 
“As a person, Cecelia always exhibited a very calm bearing, to the point of being unflappable. She always greeted me with a smile and I will confess that from time to time, she (came) to the office and offered to pray for me and I accepted. On some of those occasions, they were dark days and I think she knew that,” Parris revealed.
 
“A voice from the staff room describes her as a mediator and one who controlled the conversations in the staff room. I 
understand that clearly as I have experienced that as well,” Parris added.
 
Turning her attention to the woman of the moment, she remarked, “Cecelia, you have done well and we salute you today. I enjoyed our working together. I trust that having left us… you will enjoy your retirement to the fullest. Continue to trust in God and I know that He will not leave you nor forsake you”.
 
In her reply, Rock noted, “During the past ten years in particular, the teachers with whom I have worked either in the teaching of Language Arts or the teaching of English Methods, they have left me in absolutely no doubt that I have been effective in changing their perception of what they do in the classroom, why they do it and how I encouraged them to do it, with greater passion and purpose. You know, that was always my intention.” 
 
She then thanked all her mentors, colleagues, friends and relatives for the support given over the years, as she sought to make a difference in the lives of those passing through her hands.
 

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