Remembering The Beginning

Caleb Walters: First Principal, 1976 – 1990

Eye-level view of a group of alumni engaging in conversation at a reunion event

For fifty years, Cross Keys High School has shaped generations of students through a powerful blend of discipline, belonging, academic rigor, and community spirit. Across the decades—whether in the earliest years of the 1970s, the strong traditions of the 1980s, or the evolving culture of the 2000s—past students consistently recall an atmosphere marked by order, respect, and high expectations. They speak of teachers who saw potential before they saw performance, principals who embodied discipline and excellence, and a school environment that created both structure and opportunity. These shared experiences forged values such as resilience, responsibility, curiosity, and integrity—qualities that have guided alumni into careers in education, theology, public service, agriculture, law enforcement, the arts, administration, and leadership across Jamaica and the diaspora.

Just as powerful as the academics was the sense of community and personal growth nurtured at Cross Keys. Alumni remember the friendships formed under the fig tree, the lessons learned from clubs and sports, the library as a window to the wider world, and the countless small acts of care that shaped their confidence. Many attribute their discipline, ambition, and adaptability to the culture they encountered at Cross Keys. As they reflect on the school’s 50th anniversary, past students share a common hope: that the school will honor its proud legacy while embracing new opportunities, strengthening ties with the community, and inspiring the next generation to rise with courage, discipline, and pride.

GV: How did you become the first Principal of Cross Keys?

CW: In 1976, I was nearing the end of my tenure at C.T.C. in Mandeville when I learned that the Ministry of Education was seeking a principal for its new school in Cross Keys, scheduled to open at the beginning of the new school year. I applied, was interviewed, and was later offered the position—which I gladly accepted.

GV: Looking back to the founding of Cross Keys, what was your vision for the school and what principles guided its early development?

CW: My original vision was to create, nurture, and build a good institution capable of inspiring and producing capable, efficient, competent, visionary, and skilled persons for nation-building.

Nothing beats hard work and commitment, so I approached my new role with determination, “chutzpah,” and a strong belief that although the Ministry’s system funneled the “brightest and best” to traditional high schools, the students coming to Cross Keys were not failures, nor were they without hope, worth, or potential. Human beings often possess remarkable latent ability, creativity, and a hunger for success. There was every reason for CKSS to achieve.

We made serious efforts to establish extracurricular activities—clubs, societies, and Houses—and encouraged both teachers and students to participate. We also focused deliberately on creating a pleasant, attractive, and inspiring environment through landscaping, decorative trees, and murals.

A cooperative and supportive staff who embraced the vision was essential. To further our goals, we also ensured the establishment and enforcement of good order and discipline.

GV: What do you remember most vividly about those early years—especially the students, teachers, and broader community?

We were fortunate to have good school boards—non-political, non-antagonistic, and focused on supporting the school. While there were no large business entities to provide significant financial support, the community offered strong moral support that helped us gain legitimacy.

The PTA, though small, was highly supportive. Churches in the surrounding community also played an important role. All our graduation exercises were held at the New Broughton United Church. West Indies College (Northern Caribbean University) provided many of our motivational speakers. C.T.C. also assisted us, including helping one student pass the Common Entrance Examination for a prominent high school in Mandeville.

I remember the hard work and talent of many of our students. Some pursued JSC and other external examinations through private study and performed well. I recall a bright, brave student who brought glory to Cross Keys by winning first place in the Irving Burgie Essay Competition, surpassing competitors from two prestigious traditional high schools.

The Foundation Teachers—those who started the same year I did—were among the best of my career: hardworking, efficient, dedicated, creative, and resourceful. None had degrees at that time, yet all were competent in their subjects. I remain grateful for their contribution. Teachers who joined later were equally strong.

GV: What were the most significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

CW: My biggest challenge was steadily confronting and debunking the negative perception that CKSS and other schools of its type were of little value, and that the students who attended could not dream, achieve, or accomplish.

We worked hard to create an environment conducive to work, study, and achievement. We enforced discipline to keep students focused, encouraged creativity and hard work, and set high expectations—especially for the more capable students.

Less capable students were not ignored. We placed them under the supervision of reading specialists in our BASAL Room to build literacy and numeracy and boost confidence, with excellent results. Every student at Cross Keys was given a chance.

GV: How would you describe the culture and ethos of Cross Keys during your tenure, and what made it distinct?

CW: Cross Keys was situated in a largely low-income community where people worked in farming, small businesses, trades, and transportation. The community was deeply religious, with strong influence from the United Church and the Seventh-day Adventists. Many residents hoped for better lives for their children through education, and migration—especially to the U.S.—was often a major aspiration.

The new school brought hope and grew steadily under good management and direction. Teachers were hardworking, dedicated, cooperative, supportive, creative, and productive—excellent teachers doing a good job.

Many students were disciplined, hardworking, and focused, achieving well beyond expectations. Today I look back with satisfaction at the many graduates who have distinguished themselves in various fields and are contributing to nation-building at home and abroad.

GV: What stands out to you about your students—who they were and who they became? Did you have any favourites?

CW: There were exceptions, but generally, students in their final two years were serious about life beyond school—hardworking, confident, and responsible.

I recall a young man who ran for Head Boy and told potential supporters that if elected, he would secure an extra dumpling in their lunch. I saw in him a typical Jamaican politician and have often wondered what became of him.

I also recall an exceptionally bright young woman who entered Grade 11 in the early 1980s as:

• Head Girl

• President of the Students’ Council

• President of the Literary and Debating Society

• President of the Inter School Christian Fellowship

• Winner of the Irving Burgie Essay Competition, surpassing students from Immaculate and Knox

She received the highest number of awards at graduation. Later, she excelled at C.T.C., again winning the most awards in her cohort. Today she holds a doctorate and a master’s from Howard University, a bachelor’s from UWI, and is an author of two books—both of which sit proudly on my bookshelf.

Holding a position of prominence in the Alumni Association of CKSS is a past student who is a past President of the Moravian Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. He is also a former President of the Jamaican Council of Churches. He holds a doctoral degree, and he is the author of two books.  In 2024 he presented Mrs. Walters and me with a copy of one of his books. 

A few years ago, I attended a function at CKSS. The guest speaker was a lecturer from Northern Caribbean University and a former student. She also holds a Doctorate Degree

In that same audience was a guest, who is the Principal of a Secondary School. She holds a Doctorate Degree

Other past students have served notably in education, including as principals and board chairs, and in the health sector as registered nurses. Their achievements speak for themselves. This is merely a small of individuals who once attend CKSS. Their specular achievement speak for itself. I commend them

And no, I had no favourites.

GV: How do you view the school’s decline in infrastructure, performance, and morale over the years?

CW: I cannot offer a definitive response, as I left Cross Keys in 1990 and was away from the area for many years. Several principals served after me, and I do not have access to the relevant operational data.

However, I can say the following:

In 2024, Principal Morgan invited me to a function where he launched a master plan for the school’s development. The event was impressive, and the students and teachers performed well.

On July 3, 2025, Mrs. Walters and I attended the Graduation and Prize-Giving Ceremony. Again, the event was well executed, teachers carried out their roles confidently, and the school community—including parents, the board, alumni, and ministry officials—was present. Plans for infrastructural repairs were discussed.

GV: What values or systems do you think need to be reclaimed or reimagined as we try to rebuild Cross Keys?

As with Question 7, I cannot speak to the specifics of how my successors led the school. However, from my brief interactions, the current principal appears capable, and his development plan seems promising.

I recommend that the alumni meet with the principal to discuss the way forward, highlighting major concerns and possible solutions. Cross Keys must continue to grow and flourish—this should be the alumni’s top priority, with the principal leading.

GV: What lessons from your leadership are most relevant to the leadership today?

• Groom and project yourself as a strong, effective, inspiring principal.

• Invest in a wise and competent Board of Management.

• Establish and constantly highlight a clear vision for the school.

• Recruit competent, hardworking, dedicated teachers—and secure their buy-in.

• Build a supportive management team.

• Show appreciation when staff do well.

• Hire disciplined, honest, capable administrative and ancillary staff.

• Cultivate watchful, intelligent community leaders.

• Establish a strong and supportive PTA.

• Enforce good order and discipline for both staff and students—and lead by example.

• Engage the wider community.

• Encourage student participation in extracurricular activities.

• Support both the gifted and the struggling students.

• Be hands-on, serious, and decisive.

• Be God-fearing and seek divine guidance.

GV: What message would you share with alumni, current students, and the broader community for the 50th Anniversary?

General Comments

CW: Cross Keys has done well—some would say exceptionally well—over its 50 years. It has demonstrated its worth, legitimacy, and built a fine legacy. It deserves continued support to grow and thrive.

The school is yours; its future is in your hands. All stakeholders—alumni, students, and community—must embrace this responsibility.

Specific Comments to Alumni

• Build a strong, effective alumni association.

• Cherish, honour, and support your alma mater.

• Maintain a cooperative, not adversarial, relationship with the school administration.

• Learn the school’s immediate needs and address them generously.

• Remember: the principal is in charge of the school.

Current Students

• Work hard and use your time wisely.

• Embrace discipline and good order.

• Participate in extracurricular activities—they reveal hidden talents and broaden opportunity.

• Live the school motto: “Excellence Our Goal.”

• Choose friends wisely.

• Know that many CKSS graduates have succeeded in tertiary institutions and careers at home and abroad. There is no reason you cannot equal or surpass them.

The Broader Community

The Ministry of Education cannot fully fund all schools. Community support is essential. When Cross Keys calls, answer. Education is one of the best investments you can make.

GV: How would you like to be remembered and honored?

1. Display a photograph of me at the school.

2. Establish a scholarship in my honour for further studies toward a first degree at:

   • The Mico University College

   • Church Teachers’ College (now part of GC Foster or another institution, if applicable)

   • The University of the West Indies, Mona

   • The University of Technology

Note: The Alumni should plan to raise funds annually to support this scholarship.

Thank you.

C.V. Walters