New York-based marketing specialist Dave Rodney was among a group of six Ardenne High School past students who were inducted into the Ardenne Alumni Association Hall of Fame last week in Kingston, Jamaica.
The induction gala for the distinguished achievement award took place at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, as part of the Ardenne High School Homecoming celebrations that brought together hundreds of past students from all over the world.
The latest news from Jamaica & The Caribbean
Read more articles about Jamaica from Caribbean National Weekly
Promoting Caribbean culture
During the sold-out banquet, Rodney received recognition for his exceptional efforts in promoting the cultural aspects of Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations on various media platforms, including network television.
Over several decades, Rodney has passionately advocated for tourism resorts and destinations, reggae music, cuisine, art, and diaspora consumer products.
Notably, he accomplished the first dancehall signing to Atlantic Records and initiated a reggae radio show in French for the Canadian market, which was syndicated to eleven Quebec markets.
Rodney’s contributions extend to his role as an author and his involvement in numerous high-profile travel generating events, such as Motown’s Soul by the Sea, MTV Spring Break, Hot 97 Hot Nights, and the HBO Sinbad Soul Music Festival. Additionally, he regularly curates travel sections for Jamaica in the New York Daily News and is part of the marketing team for New York’s premiere reggae event, Groovin in the Park.
During the induction ceremony, a citation was read by Florence Holness Darby, chairman of the Ardenne Alumni Foundation, under the signature of Paul Barnett, chairman of the selection committee. The citation commended Rodney’s enduring passion for Ardenne High School, highlighting his frequent visits to the school and the numerous articles written in newspapers and on social media, which have contributed to amplifying the school’s positive image and brand.
Among those celebrating at Rodney’s table were his sister, Lorna Rodney Suite, Canadian Olympian Brendon Rodney, broadcaster Fae Ellington, Dawn Neufville (niece and educator), Marsha Jones (a Brooklyn-based educator and friend), childhood friend Patricia Spence, and Clive Blackwood (Ardenne past student and executive vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York).
Notable inductees and attendees
The gala also recognized other notable inductees, including Mrs. Gloria Wallen, Mr. Jennings Gordon, Mr. Philbert Solomon, Mr. Howard Mahoney, Mr. Glen Davidson, Mr. Denzil Davis, and Mr. Alok Jain. Funds raised at the event will contribute to the construction of the Ardenne Wellness Center, which will be located on the school’s campus on Ardenne Road in Kingston.
Notable attendees at the event included school principal Nadine Molloy, former principal Esther Tyson, Mr. Jermaine Heslop (president of the Ardenne Alumni Association), Vilma McDonald (event executive producer), Dr. Henley Morgan (social activist and Ardenne Hall of Famer), and alumni chapter presidents from Florida, Toronto, Atlanta, and New York.
More on Jamaicans in the diaspora
- Jamaican actress Sheryl Lee Ralph to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star
- American-Jamaican actor Emilio Evans celebrates season 2 return ‘Makeup and Breakup’ TV series
