Leadership Team
Board of Advisors
Grace Virtue
Ph.D., MA, BA. Dip.Ed. `82
Grace Virtue is a social scientist, public affairs practitioner, and committed peace and justice advocate. She earned her doctorate and master's degree in the humanities from Howard University and her bachelor's in journalism and social science from the University of the West Indies, Mona. She also holds an executive leadership certificate from Yale School of Management, and another from Purdue University.
An award-winning teacher and journalist, Grace is a former fellow of the Inter-American Press Association, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, and the Marcus Garvey Centenary Scholar. She graduated Church Teachers’ College as the top English Studies student, the most diligent student, and the most promising teacher. Her career has spanned international non-profits, including higher education, global health, government, and entrepreneurship. She is a thought leader – known for spotting trends and devising creative and visionary solutions.
Known for her deep skills of observation and insight into social problems, she is the creator of the Virtue Integration Model, a next-generation framework for social integration and human flourishing.
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Grace is the author of Old House and Red Neckties: A Memoir of Race, Resilience, and Selfhood, published in July 2024 for which she received a Congressional Citation from Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen declaring it an outstanding analysis of the issues of the day, and an excellent contribution to public affairs. The book traces the arc of her life from material deprivation in deep rural Jamaica, through Cross Keys High School to Washinton, D.C. and key centers of power around the world. She is also the author of a previous book, published in 2009 due to be re-released soon, and several other works in various stages of development.
Rev. Paul Gardner
DM, J.P, Special Advisor & Treasurer
Rev. Dr. Paul Gardner is a distinguished leader of the Moravian Church in Jamaica with decades of service in ministry, education, and community development. He holds a Licentiate and Diploma in Theology from the University of the West Indies and the United Theological College of the West Indies, a Teachers’ Diploma from Church Teachers’ College, an M.Sc. in Counselling from UWI, and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary.
Dr. Gardner served as President of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Chairman of the Worldwide Moravian Church Unity Board, and President of the Jamaica Council of Churches. He has lectured in Pastoral Counselling and Caribbean Theology and taught at Mannings High School. His community leadership includes service as President of the Jamaica Civil Society Coalition, Manchester Cooperative Credit Union, and Jamaica Cooperative Credit Union League, among others.
A Justice of the Peace since 1990, Dr. Gardner is the author of Voice of Hope During the Storms (2024) and Counselling Themes and Perspectives (2025). He is married and the father of three.
Burknell R. Stewart
MPA, Dip.Ed
Burknell R. Stewart is a multifaceted professional whose career spans education, healthcare, sports, and agriculture. He attended Holmwood Technical High School before earning a Diploma in Education from Church Teachers’ College, a Bachelor of Science from Clayton State University, and a Master of Public Administration from Capella University.
As a teacher, Burknell is passionate about student growth, while his work as a healthcare administrator demonstrates his commitment to efficiency and quality care. He is also a football referee and coach, encouraging teamwork and discipline, and is engaged in sustainable agriculture as a farmer.
Burknell enjoys exploring Jamaica’s natural beauty, meeting diverse people, and listening to music. His future goals include promoting non-representational politics, building model homes for low-income families, and creating a model school and community in Jamaica.
Margaret Armstrong
Esq., Special Advisor
Margaret E. Armstrong is a devoted wife and mother of two now adult children. She began her professional career practicing corporate and commercial law in two jurisdictions – Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. She presently co-owns Strong Governance Ltd, a company that provides corporate governance-related services. She is also a lay preacher and Sunday school teacher, and she develops Sunday School and Vacation Bible School Lesson Plans for Methodists Sunday Schools in Jamaica.
Margaret is the daughter of Rev. Nicholas Sykes, and Mrs. Winnifred Sykes who was a guidance counsellor at Cross Keys at its inception. She spent her earliest childhood years in Cross Keys, and although she has not lived there, she remains connected and rooted to the area. She continues to maintain ties to the community and owns property there.
Executive Leadership
Robert Green
President
Robert Green, Class of 1997 and President of CKHSAAL, was born in Marlie Hill, Manchester, and migrated to the United States in 1996. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science from the College of Aeronautics, Queens, New York, and has over 20 years of experience as an aviation maintenance technician with Delta Airlines at its New York hub.
In addition to his aviation career, Robert is an actor and screenwriter, passionate about advancing in film and television. He is also deeply committed to service. In 2018, he co-founded the Cross Keys High School Class of 1997 Past Students’ Association and helped organize its first reunion in 2023, raising funds to refurbish the school’s bathrooms. He has also spearheaded alumni fundraising initiatives in New York to support ongoing projects at the school.
Robert is married and enjoys stage performance, home projects, gardening, and time with family. His vision is to help current students gain vocational training that prepares them for meaningful careers.
Novlet Golding
Vice President
Novlet Golding is the Vice President of the Cross Keys High School Alumni Association Limited and a proud member of the Class of 1980. She is a long-standing member of the group and has been actively engaged in fostering relationships, networking, and development among alumni. She previously served the Association in a Public Relations capacity.
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During her time at Cross Keys High School, she served as a prefect and participated in several clubs and societies. Upon graduation, she received an award in Agricultural Science. She credits the school with providing a strong foundation that continues to anchor her and shape her personal and professional journey.
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An educator specializing in Special Education, Ms. Golding is currently working on her first memoir and is soon to be conferred a PhD in International Non-Governmental Organization. She is deeply committed to giving back to her community and has consistently done so through her work and service.
As Vice President, she is dedicated to strengthening alumni relations, supporting student engagement, and advancing initiatives that enhance the growth and reputation of Cross Keys High School. She is committed to working with the executive team to help realize the Association’s vision for its alma mater and the wider community.
Leontine Hall-Mitchell
Assistant Public Relations Officer
A proud member of the Class of 1997, Leontine Hall-Mitchell migrated to the United States after graduation, where she pursued studies in medical administration.
She began her career at Willow Wood Retirement Facilities before joining Home Depot, where she has spent the past 18 years. Recently promoted to Supervisor for the Exports and Pro Department, she specializes in bookkeeping and building strong relationships with colleagues and customers.
Leontine is a devoted wife and mother of two, admired for her sense of responsibility, organizational skills, and commitment to service in both her personal and professional life.
Andrez W. Johnson
Canadian Representative
Andrez W. Johnson was born in Marlie Hill, Manchester, and is a proud graduate of Cross Keys High School, Class of 1997. At CKHS, he studied carpentry and joinery at the CXC level, earning a Grade One. He also served as a prefect and was an active member of the Boys’ Scout program, which helped shape his early career path.
After graduation, Andrez joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force in 1999, serving until 2007 when he migrated to Canada. There, he became an entrepreneur and has successfully operated two businesses since 2008.
Andrez is married with two children and serves on the executive of the Cross Keys High School Alumni Association as the Canadian representative. He remains committed to giving back to his school and community.
Aldith Virtue-Murray
MSW, Dip. Ed
Aldith Virtue-Murray is President and CEO of New Horizon Children’s Place Inc., a group of homes providing care and emotional support for South Florida’s special needs population. She is also the founder of the Virtue and Murray Foundation Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and older adults in South Manchester through social relief efforts.
Aldith attended Woodlands Primary and Cross Keys High before earning a Diploma in Education from Church Teachers’ College, a Bachelor’s degree, and a Master of Social Work with certification in Child Welfare from Florida Atlantic University. She has been recognized by the Golden Key International Honor Society for academic excellence.
Her career includes 10 years as a Child Advocate with Florida’s ChildNet, where she received awards for outstanding performance, before founding New Horizon Children’s Place. She also partners with Equipped Mentoring Group to strengthen families and communities and has been a Florida Notary Public since 2008.
Aldith is married to Calvin Murray and remains passionate about supporting children and families in Jamaica and abroad.
Treash Gregory
Assistant Secretary
Born in 1979 in Manchester, Jamaica, Treash Gregory is the second youngest of seven children. A proud graduate of Cross Keys High School, Class of 1997, she recalls her years there as deeply formative, filled with dedicated teachers and a strong sense of community.
After migrating to the U.S. in 1999, she earned her GED and later a B.A. in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Mercy College. For over 20 years, she has worked in healthcare, specializing in mental health support.
Treash is the Assistant Secretary of the Cross Keys High School Alumni Ltd. and helped organize the 2023 reunion. She also launched a breakfast program for students, with a vision of making it self-sustaining. A devoted mother to her daughter Trinity, she enjoys cooking, reading, and walking. Her faith remains the cornerstone of her life and service.
Alice Bennett
RN, USA Representative
Alice “Susie” Bennett is an experienced healthcare professional with extensive experience in hospital-based nursing and clinical leadership. She has worked as a Clinical Nurse III at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where she supports high-quality oncology care and patient services.
Prior to this role, she spent more than a decade at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut, where she served as Assistant Nurse Manager, contributing to patient care coordination, staff support, and operational oversight within a hospital setting.
Alice holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University and brings experience in healthcare delivery, communication, and event support.
Duchess Virtue
Assistant Treasurer
Dutchess Virtue, Class of 1983, is the Assistant Treasurer of the Cross Keys High School Alumni Association. With over 20 years in special education, she has dedicated her career to serving children and families. She currently works at Hargreaves Memorial Hospital and serves on the Board of Cross Keys High School.
Dutchess is an active volunteer with the Jamaica Red Cross and contributes faithfully to the Women’s Ministry of her church. She is a devoted wife, and mother of four, and she continues to exemplify the values of service, leadership, and community that define the CKHS legacy.