In a heartwarming display of loyalty and compassion, the Naparima College class of 1968 revisited their alma mater on November 7, bringing with them gifts of hope, legacy, and love. The group, now pensioners, returned to the school where they once walked as eager teenagers, participating in the morning assembly, singing the school hymn, and reciting its pledge with renewed vigor. Their visit was marked by the presentation of two significant cheques: one for the refurbishment of the school’s physics lab and another to support Kristopher Mohamed, a 20-year-old medical student and former head prefect, who is courageously battling stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The donations followed a three-day reunion in August, aptly named “68 of ’68,” where the alumni gathered for fellowship, fun, and fundraising. The event raised approximately $58,000 through various activities, including a dinner at the school’s auditorium and personal contributions from the alumni. Trevor Rex Badaloo, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized their desire to celebrate their journey while making a tangible contribution to the institution that shaped them. Of the total raised, $46,317 was allocated for the physics lab refurbishment, and $10,000 was donated to assist with Mohamed’s medical treatment. For Hayden Koylass, Mohamed’s grandfather and a member of the class of 1968, the gesture was deeply personal. Kristopher’s mother, Joelle Koylass, accepted the cheque on his behalf, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the support that will significantly aid his treatment, which could exceed $1 million. Kristopher, now a first-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, sent a voice note of appreciation to the school assembly, thanking the alumni for their invaluable contribution and unwavering support. Diagnosed in May 2025, Kristopher’s life took an unexpected turn, but he remains determined to overcome his illness and continue pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. His treatment involves gruelling immunochemotherapy sessions every two weeks, yet he remains focused on his studies, driven by a newfound interest in oncology. Principal Roger Ali praised the alumni for their enduring commitment to the school, highlighting their previous contributions to the digitization of the school’s magazine and improvements to the audio-visual room. For Kristopher, the alumni’s generosity is more than financial aid; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of “being your brother’s keeper” that thrives at Naparima College. As he continues his fight against cancer, Kristopher embodies the school’s motto, A posse ad esse – from possibility to actuality, holding on to faith, purpose, and gratitude.
Naps class of ’68 donate funds for science lab, young student battling cancer
