June 8, 2004 – Central High School is the recipient of a gift from the Legislature's Employees Club. In a presentation at the school on Monday morning, a living room set, complete with an area rug and two large wooden plant stands, was presented to the school’s audiovisual program. Calling the donation "very generous," Principal Kent Moorhead explained that the set would be used as a backdrop in the production of public relations segments and other school video productions. "These productions can be aired on the government access Channel 5," said Moorhead.
The presentation was made in honor of CHS teacher Natasha L. Cummings who, was slain last month in her home. An engraved wooden plaque was affixed to the wall above the living room set memorializing Cummings and dedicated the area and furnishings to her memory.
Senate President David S. Jones, who was present at the bestowal, said the contribution was "geared toward developing a positive image of the school to the public" and noted that this most recent gift will be a lasting testament to a teacher who gave so much to her students and her school.
"We hope this donation will help to highlight Ms. Cummings' legacy and that her dedication and caring will encourage excellence for future attendees at CHS," concluded Jones.
Cummings, 31, was killed in a triple homicide on May 15 at her home in Estate Barren Spot that also claimed the lives of her infant son, Tai Carrillo, and Wayne Walcott, 25. Police said Jose Carrillo III, 32, Cummings' boyfriend, confessed to the shootings. Carrillo is in Golden Grove Correctional Facility awaiting trial.
James McNamara, the Legislature's assistant executive director, speaking on behalf of the Employees Club, said being involved in the community gives the employees a sense of purpose. "Our goal is to contribute to the community as a token of our appreciation and a sign of our generosity," he said.
Jones said he fully supports the club, as it "empowers employees to make a difference in the community."
McNamara also said that since the club began last October, donations have been made to The Frederiksted Economic Development Association Halloween party, the Queen Louise Home for Children Christmas party, Catholic Charities and the Women’s Coalition.
The club is about to launch another community program encouraging "random acts of kindness." "We want to channel people's energy in the right direction, McNamara said. Instead of saying "you’re welcome" when being thanked for an act of kindness, "we are asking people to say, 'Pass it on,'" he explained.
Moorhead said Cummings made a lot of contributions to the school, and the donation will allow more students to increase their learning experience at the institution.
Moorhead said, "This is what public education is all about, education for every child who cannot afford to get a private education. They can come to CHS and get a quality education."
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