The 2026 Charity Gala of the Convent of Mercy Academy Association Inc. (Alpha Alumnae Florida Chapter), Beyond the Stars, will be staged on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at Club 19, Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club. In “reaching for the ultimate,” the event will prioritize STEM initiatives and support other academic and extracurricular programmes at the Convent of Mercy Academy, ‘Alpha’, Jamaica.
“Beyond the elegance of the evening,” says Alumnae President Kerry-Ann Brown, now in her second term, “it is not just a celebration but an investment in the future of the students attending ‘Alpha’ and our local community. We aim to expand our financial assistance fund, supporting our alma mater and local charities — building a reserve that ensures continuity of support for years to come for those in need.”
The all-white festive banquet and dance will also feature inspiring and impactful awards. “The honorees were carefully selected,” Brown notes, “based on their outstanding contributions to community service, leadership, philanthropy, and their enduring commitment to the values of Alpha and the community. The awards align with our theme, Beyond the Stars, recognizing individuals who exemplify excellence and whose impact extends beyond expectations.”
A notable feature of the evening will be the guest speaker — the school’s Head Girl, Tamoya Thompson, the 2026 recipient of the Sister Mary Bernadette Little Award. According to Brown, the association is focused on “deepening our investment in the young women of the Convent of Mercy Academy, ‘Alpha’, and ensuring our legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and opportunity.” While financial assistance remains critical, she says greater emphasis is now being placed on structured mentorship and career exposure — particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), leadership development, and global opportunities for the girls.
“Our approach now includes virtual mentorship touchpoints, career panels, and partnerships with professionals across industries. We want our little sisters to see and access pathways that extend beyond the classroom.”
To play a more pivotal role in school life, the Alumnae South Florida Chapter is being “intentionally present.” Beyond writing cheques, the association is engaging directly with the school’s leadership, principal, and programme coordinators to align its support with the institution’s strategic goals. “Whether it is robotics, literacy, leadership training, or student wellness, our role is to complement and enhance what the school is already building.”
It is, fittingly, an alignment with reaching for the ultimate — beyond the stars.
, Beyond the Stars, will be staged on March 14.){kind=link}