Oniel

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The Journey

Cornwall College provided an excellent atmosphere to learn, creating the foundation for much of my social and academic achievements. I was an ordinary student at CC, never first in class, never the most popular. The teachers cared; some more than others, but in their own way encouraged a constant desire to learn – for me. That endures.

This journey called life is not a race; at least not a race with anyone else. If anything, it is a race with yourself to see how much you can do with the gifts & time afforded you. Try not to be the bright candle that burns brightly for just high school or even college/university. Be the light that shines for much longer, even beyond your time here on earth. Constantly strive for better. Be a lifelong learner. And, try to always Pay It Forward. To whom much is given, much should be expected. But remember, for many of us who did not start with much, we are not off the hook. Always strive to seek ways to show love, compassion and kindness to all who you encounter. The education from CC created the foundation; the life that you live should be a tribute to all those who intentionally or inadvertently guided you to here, willing you to be the very best version of yourself. Be you, be healthy.

Half loaf bread-beef patty and box drinks…under the old ackee tree…with the bunch of friends thinking of the next opportunity for mischief. Simple times…didn’t get much better than that.

Academics

O’Neil J. Pyke

MD, MBA - Class of 1986

Education

Queens College, CUNY (BA); The Ohio State University (MD); Villanova University (MBA)

 

Major

Biology/Internal Medicine / Strategic Management/ Data Analytics

Graduating year

1997

Current Occupation:

Physician & Healthcare Consultant

Company:

PykeLife, LLC (Founder, Managing Partner)

Currently located:

Mountain Top, PA

Collin

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The Journey

The environment at CC provides the catalyst that prepares you with the ideas of achievement, friendship and comradeship.  This instills the idea that one person can make a difference to a team and rely on the team for support.

What words of encouragement/advice would you provide to current student-athletes?

WORK HARD, LEARN HARD and PLAY HARDER. Prove that you belong at CC.

There are several memories that stand out for me. For those who were there in the years of Mr. “Jango” Crick, a few memories really stand out.

I can recall Jango coming to the classroom to round up a few boys misbehaving.

Mr. Crick, “One, two, three come with me. You behind the door make it four.”

Another story that sticks in my mind over 40 years later, it is a game we used to play called “Shoot and Shoot”. A game played with a rubber band. The better you were, the better your choice of ammunition. Slow shooters would use folded cardboard, while the “pros” would use folded tin foil.

On this particular day, we were playing “shoot and shoot” in the classroom. In this game its best of three of shots. First person to land two shots wins. “Bobby Lue” and “Esto” who both claimed to be sharpshooters were up against each other. They turned their desks towards each other, and raised the lids of the desks and ducked down behind them.

“Bobby Lue” yelled, “Ready!” and stuck his head around the side the desk and before he could shoot, “Esto” nailed him squarely on the cheek. “Bobby Lue” switched to the other side of the desk and as his head came from behind the lid “Esto” nailed him again on the other cheek.

Obviously, “Bobby Lue” lost and as he stood up, “Esto” nailed him dead center in the forehead. The whole class was in an uproar after that display of sharpshooting, with everyone saying “Esto” must be a gunman.

How it is that isn’t a story of a student losing an eye, I will never know.

But for me a story that never gets old, takes me back to Mr. “Jango” Crick.

“Jango” was on his daily patrol when on reaching the then third form block (the block of classrooms up the steps from the Auditorium – 3rd form, the current 9th grade block) when he heard “Creeaakk”. He stopped looked around him but saw no one. He continued walking and again heard “Creeaakk”. He stopped again to get a sense of where the sound was coming from but heard or saw nothing. He again continued his journey only to the hear once more “Creeaakk”. Becoming quite flustered and now thinking this might be the voice of God he stopped and looked up and said “Speak Lord, thy servant heareth”.

Until this day, we are unsure if he heard the creaking of the willow trees or a student that was hiding in the nearby almond tree pulling a prank.

 

 

 

Football

Colin Jarrett

Education

College or University: Leeds University

Major

Social Science, Masters of Arts, Social Science with Merit

Graduating year

2000

Current Occupation:

Managing Director, Fire and Rescue (30 years)

Company:

CJ European Ltd

Currently located:

Birmingham UK

Athletic Accomplishments

Member of the DaCosta Cup teams 1974 to 1976

Violet Kickers 1974 to 1982

Junior Jamaica National Team 1978 and 1979

DERRICK

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I entered CC as an almost 11 year old kid out of the garrison of Rose Heights. I had a lot of hype behind my name going into 1st form at CC because of the name I had created for myself at the VMBS and youth parish playing level. This caused me to behave in a manner of obligation, as I thought that people should just allow me to do what I want and I should not pay the consequences or even be asked any questions about my actions. It was after my first week of school that my life would gradually start to sharpen into what would eventually be a success. I came in contact with a one; “David Suarez”, who at the time was the vice Principal of the school. After a good 5 whips from his cane, for being loud; he brought me to his office and had a conversation with me that would let me realize that I do not have to be a product of my community. That conversation with Mr. Suarez would open up the view of college opportunities through my talent, but most importantly, it would create a father figure who would be there for me through the good times and the bad times at Cornwall College. He made sure that I was well grounded and disciplined on and off the field, and I found that I started to carry myself in a formable and respectful way in my community as well. The introduction of Mr. Suarez in my life made my time of Cornwall College a success, which changed my life tremendously.

Life as a teenager is full of new experiences and adventures, but your teenage years are always the most difficult because they come with some of the most embarrassing events of your life. Body odor, new school/friends, facial hair, and growth spurts are just a few of the many potential difficulties that you could experience. You may also start receiving the praises from people in your surroundings, which may have you thinking that you are on cloud nine.  Furthermore, todays’ society place added pressure on young adults because they have to dress a certain way, fit in a with a particular clique, get the hottest girls, be a tough guy and not take disrespect from anyone, amongst other societal pressures. Nonetheless, it is a joy when a parent can watch their child grow and develop into a young adult right in front of your eyes.

So, I challenge you as young adults to choose wisely in life; filter out the negativity which comes with societal pressure and choose right. Make your parents proud! For those who do not fathers in their lives to make proud, do it for your mother, grandmother, grandfather, or whoever plays a major role in your life and your success to this point. One important thing I want to leave with you is: your teenage years will pass you by quicker than they came, but there is one thing that you need to know, years lost cannot be regained and time waits on no human being. The same people that praise you as the greatest player to ever put on the RED and Gold jersey, will be the first to bash you and call you bum when you are no longer a CC player.

Life is love, so live your life with love in your heart for all human beings and you will surely find your calling.

Most memorable moment at CC was 1998 as a 9th grader, when I made my debut against Cambridge High in Cambridge. This is my favorite memory because I got the chance to play my first of many games in my CC career. I ended up even scoring my first DaCosta Cup career goal that day. Another thing that made that day memorable was the fact that I was only 14 years of age at the time and only a 9th grader, and we all know how competitive CC’s D’Cup team is to make, so to make the squad that young is an achievement, much more to play and score in your debut game. I went on to play 10 games that season, which was a huge accomplishment!

Football

Derrick Henry

Alias: Blacka

MD, MBA - Class of 1986

Education

San Jacinto College, Belmont University, and University of Miami

Major

Management & Accounting, MBA

Graduating year

2008 (University) 2018 (MBA)

Current Occupation:

ABA Councilor

Company:

Melmark, New England

Currently located:

Orlando FL, and Lowell MA

Scholastic Accomplishments

  • 2 Times NJCAA Academic All-American
  • NCAA Academic All-American
  • 2 Times Academic All-Asun Conference

Athletic Accomplishments:

  • Jamaica U-17 Football, 1999
  • Cornwall College 2001 Triple Champions
    • Highlights of (click to view)  2001 Oliver Shield – CC vs Bridgeport High School
  •  
  • Seba United 2000 to 2001
  •  
  • AC Sparta, Prague, Czechoslovakia 2008 – 2013
  • 2 Times NJCAA All- American
  • 2 Times NJCAA All Region
  • 2 Times NJCAA All District
  • 2 Times NJCAA national Championship All-tournament team.
  • NCAA Regional team
  • 2 Times A-Sun Conference Team
  •  
Chris Earle

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Continue to be confident in what you do. Be the best you and never have a defeatist mentality. This goes both for Academics, Athletics & Life.

Life as a teenager is full of new experiences and adventures, but your teenage years are always the most difficult because they come with some of the most embarrassing events of your life. Body odor, new school/friends, facial hair, and growth spurts are just a few of the many potential difficulties that you could experience. You may also start receiving the praises from people in your surroundings, which may have you thinking that you are on cloud nine.  Furthermore, todays’ society place added pressure on young adults because they have to dress a certain way, fit in a with a particular clique, get the hottest girls, be a tough guy and not take disrespect from anyone, amongst other societal pressures. Nonetheless, it is a joy when a parent can watch their child grow and develop into a young adult right in front of your eyes.

So, I challenge you as young adults to choose wisely in life; filter out the negativity which comes with societal pressure and choose right. Make your parents proud! For those who do not fathers in their lives to make proud, do it for your mother, grandmother, grandfather, or whoever plays a major role in your life and your success to this point. One important thing I want to leave with you is: your teenage years will pass you by quicker than they came, but there is one thing that you need to know, years lost cannot be regained and time waits on no human being. The same people that praise you as the greatest player to ever put on the RED and Gold jersey, will be the first to bash you and call you bum when you are no longer a CC player.

Life is love, so live your life with love in your heart for all human beings and you will surely find your calling.

Most memorable moment at CC was 1998 as a 9th grader, when I made my debut against Cambridge High in Cambridge. This is my favorite memory because I got the chance to play my first of many games in my CC career. I ended up even scoring my first DaCosta Cup career goal that day. Another thing that made that day memorable was the fact that I was only 14 years of age at the time and only a 9th grader, and we all know how competitive CC’s D’Cup team is to make, so to make the squad that young is an achievement, much more to play and score in your debut game. I went on to play 10 games that season, which was a huge accomplishment!

Old Boys Leadership

Chris Earle

Education

Sacred Heart University

Major

Finance, Business Administration

Graduating year

1980

Current Occupation:

Accountant

Company:

Business Concepts Consulting, LLC

Founding Member, Managing Partner

Currently located:

Kennesaw, GA 30152 (Metro Atlanta)

Scholastic Accomplishments

  • Dean’s List, ECAC Medal of Merit, Outstanding Scholar Athlete

Athletic Accomplishments:

  • Montego Bay Community College ‘80-81 Inter-collegiate Football Campion.