CHARLESTOWN, Nevis --- “A good teacher is like a candle- it consumes itself to light the way for others” is a quotation from an unknown source, but the work of the recently deceased Maureen Adams plainly epitomizes it.
On Friday (Mar. 27), the island of Nevis and the wider region was greatly impacted by the news that former Charlestown Secondary School educator Maureen Adams had passed away.
According to relatives, Adams passed from blood clotting associated with the rare disease neuromyelitis optica. Neuromyelitis optica is also known as Devic’s disease or Devic’s syndrome, and is a neurological condition which affects the optic nerves and spinal cord.
In July 2008, the Waset Education Foundation (WEF) that Adams was an active member of began raising funds to subsidize the cost of her medical treatment. Later that month, SKNVibes reported that members of the WEF had collaborated with teachers, students, friends and well wishers to host a 12-hour Radio call-a-thon on Choice 105.3 FM to raise funds.
Adams further received assistance in January when the Rhythmz Dance Theatre donated a cheque for EC$4 000 raised from its show, “It’s Dancing Time Again – Show Some Love”.
Despite the best efforts of the school and community at large to hold onto Adams, Thursday evening saw her pass from this world as a shining beacon whose light will not be forgotten.
One of Adams’ former students and a 2003 top CXC scholar, Sherez Huggins, recalled with nostalgia the lessons that she gleaned from Adams during her days teaching Social Studies to students at the Charlestown Secondary School.
“Although she was only here with us for a short time, Mrs. Adams fulfilled her task – she has inspired and motivated, and has now left us with hope,” Huggins said. “As I recollect on the moments that I shared with Mrs. Adams in her last months, I realize that she taught me it makes no sense to be bitter when things don’t go as planned because there are always people who have suffered more than I have.”
Huggins said that Adams’ impact was largely due to her giving nature, and would likely carry on for many years to come.
“Her former students would all tell you that she was extremely passionate about helping others and even more committed to her work. She was driven, goal oriented and hardworking– I’m sure that even if she did not teach you, all former Charlestown Secondary School students can remember her enthusiastic chant ‘Red is Not Dead’ regarding her beloved Red House during sports activities.
“She was vivacious, charismatic and always willing to help others. Mrs. Adams was an optimist, and even her sickness could not falter her attitude. Herman Melville has said that ‘life is a voyage that’s homeward bound’, and after all of the suffering and pain Mrs. Adams has finally made it home.”
Also mourning the loss of Adams is Shirvon Greene, a Nevisian track sensation and former student.
“When I received the news of her passing I was in shock and completely devastated,” Greene told SKNVibes. “Mrs. Adams inspired me so much, and I thank her for touching my life. I will always remember what she said to me during my sixth form years.
“She told me, ‘your mind is the most powerful tool God gave us. Always think positive and be thankful; always do your best and don’t ever forget to pray’. To her family, especially Mr. Adams and her son Mensah, I deeply extend my sympathy.
Greene said that he planned to dedicate his 2009/2010 track and field season to the memory of Adams.
I too was influenced by the exceptional teacher, inspiring mentor, great confidant and wonderful friend of Mrs. Adams. It is difficult to fulfil my role as a journalist and be unbiased to this content when tears are filling my eyes. As I write, I am reminded of all the times I visited her home for assistance with my projects and she would welcome me with open arms and words of wisdom.
Without her influence in my life I would not be a journalist today, so I just want to say: may her soul rest in eternal peace and may the love of all those of us whose lives she has touched live on with her family as they grieve the loss of a great light in the field of education.
In November of 2006, she was immortalised by the Extra Mile Teacher of the Year Award from the Nevis Island Administration, and now she lives on forever in the hearts of her previous students as one of the most influential teachers of all time.
