TRIBUTE TO
E. M. VAL GRANT

The JTA is happy to participate in this remembrance service this morning.

We think of the effective teachers we have had over the years with a sense of recognition, but those who have touched our humanity we remember with a deep sense of gratitude. Anonymous Student.

E.M. 'Val' Grant has indeed touched our humanity. His forty years of dedicated service to education and nation building have made qualitative and quantitative improvements in the lives of all those who knew him. Val's contribution to education started when he entered the teaching service in the 1950s. He blazed a trail of excellence and set standards that are still emulated and envied at all the institutions where he served. Indeed his sojourn as Principal of Sherwood Forrest and Fair Prospect Primary Schools and later Bethlehem Teachers' College in Malvern St. Elizabeth have left indelible impressions on the living history of those institutions. His years as lecturer at Shortwood Teachers' College and the former Caledonia Junior College established pedagogical standards that will forever be remembered.

Val's distinguished contribution to education is perhaps paralleled only by his contribution to the JTA. He ascended to the highest level of teacher trade union representation in 1982-83 when he became President having served as President of the St. Elizabeth Parish Association. In his capacity as JTA President Val made invaluable contributions to the professional development of teachers and made sterling contributions to the influencing of education policy directions.

During his long and distinguished career in the teaching service he received numerous awards including but not limited to the Order of Distinction, and the Roll of Honour from the JTA.

Today we remember his impact on our lives. His service to humanity will always be treasured in our hearts.
Ruel B. Reid
President

Tribute read at a Remembrance Service at the Saxthrope Methodist Church on Sunday October 23, 2005