Holy Cross Anglican School in San Pedro celebrated its 20th anniversary on Monday, September 14th, with a commemorative service at Holy Cross Church. An informal mixer followed the 10AM service in the school’s computer lab, where guests shared refreshments, memories and reflections on the institution’s development.
The Most Reverend Philip S. Wright led the anniversary service as Archbishop, Primate and Metropolitan of the Anglican Province of the West Indies and Bishop of Belize. Reverend Dr. Kesner Ajax, Priest-in-Charge, and Reverend Dr. Julia Hall, Deacon, also participated. Richard Pitts served as organist and music coordinator, while Francis Wilson assisted as lay minister. The congregation celebrated Holy Communion during the service, with members invited to participate.
Principal Elsy Torres welcomed the congregation and special guests. At the close of the service, school founder Vernon Wilson presented Archbishop Wright with a commemorative plaque crafted from one of the school’s old desks. The laser-engraved plaque expressed appreciation for the archbishop’s presence, spiritual leadership, and support.
During the mixer, attendees viewed a slideshow documenting the school’s growth and listened to stories shared by Torres and other members of the Holy Cross community.
Special guests included Archbishop Wright, Carla Wright, Jeffery Locke, Reverend Dr. Kesner Ajax, Deacon Julia Hall, founders and Holy Cross Education Foundation representatives Francis and Vernon Wilson, Dr. Carol Babb, Ms. Jade, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, Senator Gabriel Zetina, and Deputy Mayor Adaly Ayuso.
Also attending were Dr. Mark of Holy Cross, librarian Laura Grafton, Rotary President Greg, Holy Cross nurse Heather, Dr. Odelia Caliz-Kelly of the Ministry of Education, Father Eduardo Montemayor of the Roman Catholic Church, and adult English as a Second Language volunteers Ann Codrington, Felecia Fischell and Heather Monk. Adan Kay of Hope Haven, a delegation from All Saints in Belize City, Richard Pitts, Holy Cross teachers and auxiliary staff, students, residents and visitors also attended.
Archbishop Wright reflected on the school’s development since its establishment. “Having been here at the very start of it all 20 years ago and seeing how far we have come, I think it is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.
He added that the school’s name reflects its mission of bringing together people from different backgrounds. Looking ahead, he said possible plans include reclaiming land and developing vocational or secondary education programs.
Senator Zetina, who attended the anniversary service and was among the school’s original students, said Holy Cross has helped address the challenge of giving educational opportunities to children on the island. “It’s a huge part of San Pedro, and I’m sure that they’ll continue to be a blessing for San Pedro for many more years to come,” he said.
Wilson described the 20th anniversary as an unexpected but rewarding milestone. He credited volunteers and San Mateo residents with helping to build the school from its earliest days. “This has been a community project from the very first foundation post that went down,” he said.
Torres said the school has grown from 62 students in 2006 to more than 500 students today. Its work now includes an evening program, literacy and academic support, music and youth development, adult English as a Second Language classes, community partnerships and the development of Holy Cross Church. She said the school remains guided by its commitment: “Growing, Loving, Serving God, Serving His Children.”
The anniversary celebrated two decades of education and community service while highlighting opportunities for future expansion. School leaders said the next chapter will bring additional programs and opportunities for students and families in San Pedro.