THE BISHOPS' HIGH SCHOOL
Alumni Association
New York Tri-State Chapter
A Brief History
The Bishops' High School, Georgetown, Guyana.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE CHAPTER
The NY
Tri-State Chapter, Inc., is committed to a single goal; we want to make Bishops' High School a better place.
Following the first reunion of the Bishops' Alumni in Washington DC in 1984, a group of alumni in New York gathered at the home of one of our founding members - Paula Matthews Hazlewood to chart a course that would eventually lead to the formation of the New York Chapter of the Bishops' High School Alumni Association. This group met quarterly in an "Ad Hoc" status for the next three years. After the reunion in Toronto, other alumni became involved and the decision was made to formalize the organization. Inauguration took place in 1989 and the BHS Alumni Association New York Tri State Chapter was born. Paula Matthews Hazlewood was installed as the president until elections were held.
In keeping with the mission of alumni associations, the tristate chapter continues to actively raise funds to send to the school in Guyana. This has been accomplished by hosting various fund raising events, the proceeds from which have been used to furnish classrooms with desks and chairs, provide musical instruments for the music program, supplies for the home economics room, money for speech day awards and a yearly amount for the principal to use as she sees fit.
The association is a not-for-profit organization and must assist local charities to maintain this status. We have contributed to the Bishop Hucles' Episcopal Nursing Home in Brooklyn, as well as donated toys at Christmas to needy children through charitable organizations. We also answer "Dear Santa" letters, and have provided supplies to a local elementary school and a day care center in Brooklyn.
Our monthly meetings are well organized. Our agenda is limited not only to the discussion of ongoing projects and the school needs, but we also reserve some time to provide members with a wealth of information. We have invited professionals, many of whom are alumni to educate us on health issues, such as breast cancer, dental hygiene and preventive care, emotions and weight management. We have also had presentations on Financial and Investment Strategies, as well as what we need to know about Insurance Plans. We eagerly launched into a book club format with lively discussions on novels such as "the Pact" and "The Color of Water''. At our February meetings, we celebrate Black History month with members volunteering arts and crafts, displays, poetry readings and informative presentations of "Black History". The most enjoyable time is had at our December meeting, when our "Secret Santa" game keeps us laughing. We also enjoy the best food and drinks brought by the members, and the celebration is topped off with carol singing by candlelight. It is a truly delightful event that should not be missed.
Our membership roster is over 200. We encourage everyone in the New York Tri-State area to become involved as we continue to grow and serve our alma mater.
THE SCHOOL
The Bishops' High School in Georgetown, Guyana was established in 1870 by the Anglican Church as a ladies' school. The school later merged with Mrs. Vyfhuis' school, also founded in 1870, and then with the DeSaffon school. Mrs. Vyfhuis was offered headship of the combined schools in 1875. The school's first home was at Brickdam and Manget Place, and then at "Minto House" on Waterloo Street. It later moved to "Lamaha House" at Carmichael and Lamaha Streets, the property of Bishop E.A. Parry.
In 1907, Bishop E.A. Parry moved the school to "Woodside House" (now known as "Transport House") on Main Street, and it became known as "Woodside House School". In 1921 the school moved to its present location at Carmichael and Murray (now known as Quamina) Streets. In 1922 Bishop E.A. Parry retired and the school then became known as "The Bishops' High School". Bishop Parry died in 1936 and the "Oswald Parry Hall" was opened at the school.
In January 1936, the school was handed over to the government of British Guiana. The new building was opened on January 5, 1946. The school celebrated its centennial in 1970 and became a co-educational institution five years later, in 1975.
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THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE CHAPTER PRESIDENT
The BHS
Alumni Association
Tri-State Chapter President
Philip Peroune is an active member of the Bishops’ High School Alumni Association Tri-State Chapter. Prior to being elected president in June 2021, he served as vice president and treasurer of the chapter. Philip spends much of his free time volunteering for the chapter’s fundraising activities. As president, he is working towards attracting new members to join the chapter and raising funds to finance projects that will benefit current and future students of his alma mater. Philip resides in Congers, New York.
Philip attended Bishops’ High School from 1975 through 1980 He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Studies – with an emphasis on Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration, both from Barry University, Florida.
Philip is currently the Associate Director of Admissions in the Office of International Admissions at Monroe College in New Rochelle, New York. Through his job he has traveled extensively across the USA, Central America, the Middle East, Turkey, and the Caribbean actively recruiting and developing plans for both traditional and transfer undergraduate and graduate international students.
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He is supported in his role by Sharon Munroe, Vice-President, Jo-Ann Davis-Valz, Treasurer, Audrey Smith Hogan, Secretary, and Jacqueline Cholmondeley, Events Coordinator
Congratulations and Best Wishes, Philip.
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Sharon Thomas-Munro has been a Litigation Specialist for over 25 years, and is now currently a Team Lead in Travel Claims. She graduated from Dowling College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Sharon has mentored in the Patchogue-Medford School district for many years. She is the proud mother of an accomplished son and daughter, who are her pride and joy. Sharon enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and her happiest moments are spending quality time with others. When not traveling, Sharon enjoys hiking, and planting and can often be found planning her “next adventure” before the memories of the last vacation fade.
Sharon continues to be an active member of the Tri-State Alumni Association, and it is her intention to do so as long as she is able to.
SHARON THOMAS-MUNROE
VICE-PRESIDENT
Jo-Ann Davis-Valz is an Actuary and Vice President in the Life and Health Business Management division at Swiss Re America Holding Company in Armonk, New York. An active member of the Society of Actuaries in North America, Ms. Davis-Valz has been in the actuarial profession since 1988.
Ms. Davis-Valz has a special interest in diversity and inclusion and has mentored several colleagues during her career. She enjoys music, a passion nurtured while at Bishops' High School, and currently sings with the Stamford Chorale, a community choir.
Ms. Davis-Valz attended The Bishops' High School from 1970 to 1977 and was Head Prefect from 1976 to 1977. She holds a Bachelor's in Mathematics, specializing in Statistics, from The University of Waterloo, Canada, a Master of Arts (Econometrics) from Queen's University, Canada, and a Master of Science (Statistics) from Western University, Canada.
Ms. Davis-Valz currently lives in Stamford, Connecticut.
JO-ANN DAVID-VALZ
TREASURER
Jacqueline Cholmondeley is an Events Coordinator at Russell Sage Foundation and an Adjunct Lecturer at the New York City College of Technology, in their Hospitality Management Department. She is the owner of a full-service catering company, Always Accolades Catering with headquarters in New York City.
Ms. Cholmondeley was featured in Art Culinaire, Esquire, Essence Magazines, and Good Morning America. She has also been showcased in newsprint by the New York Times, Daily News, local Westchester papers, and the Guyanese press.
Ms. Cholmondeley attended The Bishops’ High School from 1974 to 1979. She holds an Associate degree in Occupational Studies (AOS) with a specialization in Culinary Arts, from The Culinary Institute of America, a Bachelor of Culinary Education from Empire State College, New York, and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Baruch College.
Ms. Cholmondeley resides in Manhattan, New York.
JACQUELINE CHOLMONDELEY
EVENT COORDINATOR
Audrey Smith Hogan is an accomplished minority business owner in the field of Medical Billing for over 25 years, a wife, and a proud mother of two children.
Audrey is an unapologetic philanthropist who is dedicated to many meaningful causes, such as eradication of cancer. She is an ardent
tennis fan, an avid reader, a hot yoga enthusiast and a huge patron of Caribbean Arts. Her love of soca music is unrivaled, except for love of family and friends.
Being a member of the BHS Alumni Family has provided an additional opportunity to help the young students back in Guyana that is very fulfilling.
Wayne Knight the immediate Past President of the chapter was the first male President of the Bishops’ High School Alumni Association Tri-State Chapter since its inception in the late eighties and in an era of progressive change. An ardent supporter of the organization for several years, Wayne also served as Vice President before being elected President.
As he proudly mentioned in our conversation, Wayne entered Bishops’ High School by choice in 1977 and left in 1983 when he migrated to the United States.
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Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.