One hundred years after it first opened its doors to students, Wesley High School (WHS), the historic all-female educational institution in Dominica, is gearing up for a week-long series of centennial celebrations this October to honor a legacy of nurturing and empowering generations of women.
Founded on October 16, 1926, WHS has grown into a cornerstone of Dominica’s national education system over the past century. Countless alumnae of the school have gone on to leave meaningful marks across nearly every sector of Dominican life, from education, business and public service to the professional fields, arts and beyond.
In an official press statement, the school announced that this year’s milestone celebrations will be held under the unifying theme: “A Century Rooted in Faith, Growing in Excellence, and Serving with Love.” This carefully chosen theme encapsulates the core founding principles of WHS, while also highlighting the institution’s enduring commitment to three core pillars: rigorous academic achievement, intentional character development, and community-focused service, all aimed at the holistic growth of young women.
The week of commemorative activities will kick off on October 12 with “Media Monday”, a day dedicated to sharing collective memories of the school. Current and former students and staff will recount their personal experiences at WHS across local media platforms, and the school has also arranged for guest appearances on popular radio talk shows and live broadcast segments. The following day, October 13, the school community will gather at the main campus for a fun, community-focused Cardio Jam, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.
On October 15, the day before the official founding anniversary, current students will take part in a structured Tea Party and Empowerment Session starting at 10:00 a.m., designed to connect the school’s next generation with its core mission. The official 100th anniversary falls on Friday, October 16, which will open with a solemn Founder’s Day Service followed by a community parade starting at 9:00 a.m. Organizers have encouraged returning alumnae to attend in their vintage school uniforms, official centennial shirts, or clothing in the school’s iconic blue and gold colors.
The week of celebrations will wrap up on October 17 with a formal Banquet and Awards Night, hosted at the luxurious InterContinental Cabrits Resort & Spa, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the closing event are priced at $275 per person.
Beyond celebratory events, WHS has launched two special centennial initiatives to invest in the school’s future. The institution is calling on all alumnae to support a project to refurbish its outdated science laboratory, with a suggested donation range from $1 to $100 – a symbolic gesture representing $1 for every year of the school’s 100-year history. A limited-edition commemorative centennial magazine, documenting the school’s history and milestones, will also be available for purchase throughout anniversary week for $65 per copy.
School leaders emphasize that the centennial commemoration serves a dual purpose: it is both a time to reflect on the extraordinary achievements and legacy of the past 100 years, and an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to educating the next generation of Dominican women. WHS has extended a warm invitation to all stakeholders – including alumni, former faculty, current and past parents, community partners, supporters, and the broader Dominican public – to join in marking this historic milestone. As WHS prepares to enter its second century of service, the institution is celebrating its rooted history while eagerly embracing the opportunities and challenges of the next chapter.