AVƽ̨

²Ñ°ù.ÌýVernal Alexander Norman,Ìýclass of 68', educator, churchman, and community leader, celebrated his 100th birthday on September 10, 2025. He was born in Commodore, Portland, to Joseph and Euphemia Norman, and is the last surviving of their four children.

Education and Professional Life Mr. Norman received his early schooling at Fruitful Vale Elementary and began his career in
education as a pre-trained teacher before entering the Mico Training College in 1948. He is today the oldest surviving Miconian.

His distinguished career in education spanned over six decades. He served as Principal of several All-Age Schools in Manchester (Marlie Hill, Richmond, Coley Mountain, Devon) before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English, History, and Economics at the University of the West AVƽ̨, Mona. He later taught at Holmwood Technical High School and in 1972 was appointed Education Officer for North Manchester, a position he held until retirement in 1985. His service also included a six-month fellowship in Australia (1982) to study metropolitan school
systems.

Mr. Norman’s lifelong contribution to education and service has been widely recognized:

• Association of Education Officers award for outstanding service MICO Awardee, Class of 1948, at Mico’s 175th Anniversary (2011)
• Retired Teachers’ Association (Manchester) – honoured for his 29 years of leadership, the longest-serving President (2017)
• Emmanuel Missionary Church Men’s Fellowship Award for over 25 years of service as an Elder and exemplary family life (2011)
• May Day High School and Emmanuel Missionary Church recognitions for his lasting contribution to education and Christian service

Community and Church Service

Mr. Norman has been deeply involved in community life, from sports and agriculture in Devon to long service at the Emmanuel Missionary Church in Mandeville, where he has been an Elder and lay preacher since 1974. He also supported his late wife, Mrs. Lurline Norman, in founding the Emmanuel Kinder-Prep School.

Family

He was married to Mrs. Lurline Thompson Norman from 1958 until her passing in 2008. They had three children: Anthony, Andrea, and Carl (seen below), all distinguished graduates of the University of the West AVƽ̨. He is also the proud grandfather of five.

Conclusion

Mr. Vernal Norman is widely remembered by generations of Jamaicans as a teacher, mentor, and servant-leader. His century of life reflects not only personal resilience but also an enduring legacy of nation-building through education, faith, and community service.