14 things you’d know only if you attended Edwin Allen High

Edwin Allen High School, formerly Frankfield Comprehensive High, is a co-educational institution in Frankfield, Clarendon, renowned for sporting and academic excellence. Guided by the Latin motto, Transeamus in Exemplum, which means ‘We Shall Be An Example’, the school has produced some of Jamaica’s leading athletes, including 'turbo' twins Tia and Tina Clayton, Bryan Levell and Ristananna Tracey. It is particularly dominant in girls’ athletics, having won the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) national girls’ high school championships on 11 occasions. But for those who attended the institution, Edwin Allen is much more than trophies and report cards. Observer Online spoke with members of the school community to uncover 14 things you would know only if you attended Edwin Allen High. 1. ‘Love Lane’ – The school’s most famous spot Ask past students from any era about 'Love Lane', and you are sure to hear a story or two. Tucked away in a dark corner near the lower block stairs and bookshop, this legendary spot was notorious for secret rendezvous and couples caught stealing a kiss. Love Lane remains one of the school’s most talked-about locations, forever etched in its history. 2. Champs Parade At Edwin Allen, winning Champs was never simply about collecting another trophy. The Monday morning after a victory was a celebration in itself. Students, staff and even vendors would gather at the school to welcome and celebrate the victorious athletes, proudly decked out in their blue and white. Then came the real spectacle, a lively march or motorcade through nearby towns such as Frankfield, Spaulding, Christiana and Chapelton, with music, vuvuzelas and banners helping to turn the celebration into a community-wide affair. 3. School Chef, Mr Cole Experience the delicious cooking and exceptional kindness of the "greatest high school chef there ever was", Mr Cole. His generosity extended beyond the regular school day, as he always looked out for campers and other groups, even on weekends and holidays. 4. Miss Queenie’s lunch was a school-day essential Ask former students where to find some of the best lunch on the compound, and Miss Queenie’s name is likely to come up. Her lunch stand at the back of the school became a staple for many students looking for a hearty Jamaican meal. Rice and peas with fried chicken, vegetables or pasta were among the favourites. For many students, the school canteen simply could not compete. 5. Monday devotion wasn't complete without the school song For students who attended Edwin Allen under former principal Dr Everton Walters, Monday general devotion had a familiar finale: the school song. Walters, himself a former student of the institution, served as principal from 2007 to 2020. Under his leadership, the singing of the school song at the end of Monday devotion became a tradition many former students still remember fondly. 6. ‘Jackie Chan and Jet Li’ At Edwin Allen, uniform checks is a serious matter. Students who arrived wearing skirts that were too short or trousers that were too tight knew they could attract the attention of the disciplinarians, Miss Gooden or Miss Williams, affectionately called Jackie Chan and Jet Li. The school gate was often the first checkpoint for the two, who often carried a long ruler. According to some former students, Miss Gooden's ruler was also a signal for students who were late to run to devotion. 7. Inter-School Christian Fellowship – Mid-Lunch Meetings The ISCF mid-lunch meetings brought Christian and non-Christian students together for singing, prayer, and testimonies. These joyful gatherings offered spiritual encouragement and fellowship, often ending with students dashing off to mark their names for afternoon classes while humming the familiar tune, “I Want To Serve The Purpose Of God In My Generation” 8. Water War As the school year came to an end, students knew what came next: water war. Poly bags were filled with water and launched at unsuspecting schoolmates during or after school hours. What started as a playful tradition could quickly turn the school grounds into a battlefield, with no one quite sure who would be the next target. Even making the walk to Frankfield town after school was not safe. Students could find themselves drenched by classmates passing in a bus, receiving an unexpected soaking. During water war, no one was spared. 9. Drama Classes with Miss Ricketts Drama classes with Miss Ricketts were always a treat! This was where budding actors, actresses, and comedians came alive. Armed with costumes and props, students transformed into unforgettable characters, filling the classroom with laughter and performances worthy of the Emmy and Golden Globe stages! 10. Miss Edwin Allen Miss Edwin Allen was one of the school calendar’s most anticipated events, giving students an opportunity to showcase the beauty, confidence and talent of the young women at the institution. For students, it was more than just a pageant. It was a chance to dress up, cheer on their classmates and see some of the school’s most talented young women take centre stage. 11. The Dance Department At Edwin Allen High School, one of the most anticipated highlights of every celebration was the dancers’ performance. They captivated the audience with a blend of traditional dances, such as the maypole, and lively modern pieces, showcasing their talent while celebrating Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage. 12. Valentine's Day Shout-out Valentine’s Day was a big deal at Edwin Allen, especially for students with a secret crush. One of the highlights was sending a Valentine’s Day greeting or shout-out to that special someone, with messages broadcast over the school’s intercom for everyone to hear. Whether the recipient knew it was coming or was caught completely off guard, the announcement was often a moment of excitement and sometimes embarrassment. Vendors at the school gate also got in on the action, selling affordable Valentine’s Day gifts such as roses and teddy bears to students. For students, it was the perfect opportunity to send a little something to a crush, sweetheart or close friend and make the day extra special. 13. Fun Day The annual Fun Day celebration is a favourite among students and typically features something for everyone, including disco room, food, games, rides and other activities. 14. Principal Ricketts Former Principal E L Ricketts was certainly a force to be reckoned with at Edwin Allen High. Armed with his infamous belt, he kept students on their toes, especially around morning devotion. At the sight of his approach, students would scatter like birds, and a summons to his office was enough to send shivers down many a spine. Depending on the offence, a few lashes might await the unlucky student, a memory many would never forget! - Vanassa McKenzie