The Jamaican educational community is mourning the passing of distinguished educator Dottlyn Norma Dawes, whose remarkable 36-year career left an indelible mark on Carron Hall High School in St. Mary. The former principal, who dedicated her professional life to the institution from 1977 until her retirement in 2013, passed away on January 3, 2026, following an extended period of illness.
Current principal Carlinton Johnson announced the loss through an emotional tribute on the school’s official Facebook platform, commemorating Dawes’ extraordinary contributions to educational development in western St. Mary. During her transformative eighteen-year leadership tenure from 1995 to 2013, Dawes engineered the institution’s evolution from the formerly designated Carron Hall Vocational School—an all-girls establishment—into a progressive co-educational facility that expanded opportunities for countless students.
Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Dawes received national recognition as a 2002 finalist for the prestigious Lasco/Jamaica Teachers’ Association Teacher of the Year Award, highlighting her exceptional pedagogical approach and dedication to student development. Her community engagement extended into the judicial sphere through her service as a St. Mary justice of the peace, demonstrating her multifaceted commitment to social advancement.
The digital memorial space has become flooded with heartfelt remembrances from former students and colleagues, painting a portrait of an educator who possessed extraordinary belief in her pupils’ potential. Testimonials consistently highlight her unique ability to recognize and nurture talent in young learners, with many attributing their subsequent professional and personal achievements to her inspirational guidance and unwavering support. The overwhelming response underscores the profound personal connections she fostered throughout her decades of educational service, establishing a legacy that continues to resonate across generations of Jamaican students.