News

Alpha not near the end

By TEINO EVANS - Staff Reporter

THE CONVENT OF Mercy Academy, Alpha, more commonly known simply as Alpha, had its genesis over 100 years ago through the faith and vision of Jessie Ripoll, a Jamaican who later became known as Mother Claver.

In 1880, she purchased land on South Camp Road, Kingston, and built a small cottage, which served as an orphanage.

Ten years later came a group of women called the Sisters of Mercy and the expansion work they undertook played a significant role in the story of Alpha.

In 1894, the Alpha Cottage, formally used as a Convent for the Sisters and a dormitory for orphan girls, was renovated to serve as an academy for upper and middle class children of Kingston and St. Andrew.

Sister Mary Evangelist London, who had recently arrived from England, was put in charge, even though Mother Aquinas Kearns, the Superior of Alpha, was officially named principal.

The building was blessed and declared open on May 1, 1894, convening with two girls. By 1918, enrollment had grown to 100 students.

The high school has been through many names, among them 'The Little Flower Academy' and 'Alpha Academy', before 'Convent of Mercy Academy, Alpha' was settled on.

Increasing enrollment and higher academic achievement brought the school significant recognition and approval, qualifying Alpha for much needed government assistance in 1939.

Alpharians, as past and present students are called, continue to excel academically, and the Academy is currently ranked ninth in the island, based on Dr. Dennis Minott's 2004 assessment and grading of Jamaica's secondary schools.

The students have also been doing well in a number of sports, including track and field, netball, football, badminton, swimming, table and lawn tennis and hockey.