The St. Catherine High School Alumni Association NE., Inc. proudly celebrated a significant milestone on October 21, 2023, as they hosted their 25th-anniversary annual banquet. This remarkable event brought together alumni, friends, and distinguished guests in a joyous celebration of the association’s rich history and the achievements of its members.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of the esteemed keynote speaker, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness. Prime Minister Holness, an alumnus of the class of 1988, shared insights into his journey from St. Catherine High School to the highest office in the land. His inspirational address resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of education, community, and leadership.
Prime Minister Holness spoke passionately about the role that St. Catherine High School played in shaping his character and fostering his commitment to public service. His words echoed the spirit of resilience and determination instilled in the students of St. Catherine, motivating the current generation to strive for excellence.
Community Service Award: Recognizing Clarence McNair’s Exemplary Leadership
One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments was the presentation of the Community Service Award to Clarence McNair. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon Clarence in recognition of his outstanding community service and leadership.
Clarence, an advocate for programs that empower youth to “get ready for obstacles in the world,” has dedicated his efforts to initiatives focused on mental health and the positive impact on minority communities. His experiences have transformed him into a problem solver and strategist, and he is deeply grateful for the opportunities that have allowed him to contribute meaningfully to community outreach.
In his acceptance speech, Clarence emphasized the importance of advocating for programs that prepare the youth for the challenges they may face in the world. His commitment to mental health initiatives stems from a profound belief in the transformative power of support and understanding, especially for minority communities.
Clarence McNair has become a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of the St. Catherine High School Alumni Association NE., Inc. His dedication to uplifting others and his advocacy for programs addressing mental health disparities among minorities align perfectly with the values upheld by the association.
Looking Towards the Future: A Legacy of Service
As the St. Catherine High School Alumni Association NE., Inc. commemorates 25 years of existence, the annual banquet served as a testament to the enduring legacy of this esteemed organization. Alumni like Prime Minister Andrew Holness and community leaders like Clarence McNair showcase the impact that a commitment to education, community service, and leadership can have on individuals and society at large.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and pride among the alumni, underscoring their shared dedication to continued excellence, community engagement, and the uplifting of future generations.
In the words of Clarence McNair, “Our journey doesn’t end here; it’s a continuous commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Clarence Bio:
McNair is a Baltimore native who began his career as a recording artist and producer in his early teenage years. He landed a multi-million-dollar music contract with his mother’s help at Motown Records. This opportunity led his music group to work with Grammy-awarded music producers. They landed a feature in Jamie Foxx’s soundtrack for the action-comedy film Bait and made T.V. appearances on Soul Train, MTV2, and BET’s 106th & Park with hosts A.J. and Free.
The group gained recognition in Vibe, Billboard, Sister 2 Sister magazine, and the media mogul radio show Wendy Williams. The group also performed in Tokyo, Japan, for the U.S. troops.
After McNair’s music career, his ability to stay current with entertainment industry trends led him to the reality television space. He coordinated and co-produced the first fashion runway presentation for Coco’s “Licious Apparel” during season three of “Ice Loves Coco” on E! at N.Y. Fashion Week in 2012. Shortly after, he worked closely with some of VH1’s top reality stars to create content and enhance their careers. His expertise helped him broker successful brand deals and secure bookings for the BET Awards. McNair’s passion for music navigated his path to work with music executives like Brooklyn Johnny, known for kickstarting the career of Grammy award-winning artist Cardi B. McNair worked as the brand strategist to Pinky Cole, CEO of Slutty Vegan, a company valued at 100 million dollars. Today, he works as Pinky Cole’s Manager on her personal management team. He recently closed one of the most significant partnership deals of this decade, solidifying Slutty Vegan founder and CEO Pinky Cole as a development partner in Rye Street Market, a five billion-dollar development project on the Baltimore Peninsula led by MAG Partners and MacFarlane Partners. The deal also includes investments from Under Armour founder Kevin Plank plus his Sagamore Ventures Investment Firm and Goldman Sachs Asset Management Urban Investment Group.
In November 2019, McNair released his first book, “Give It One More Try,” to shed light on the importance of mental fitness. He shares the depths of his early traumatic experiences and how he found ways to push for the life he has now. During his “Give It One More Try” campaign, he received honorary awards, and his book was rated number one on Amazon for men’s health. He appeared on T.V. One’s Sister’s Circle Show, FOX, and radio outlets. His second book “Blessings in Uncertain Times” featured a foreword by Cora Jakes, daughter of world-renowned Bishop T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes. The book offered a new perspective in times of uncertainty. McNair recently sat with White House Correspondent Gerren Keith Gaynor to share how his book, “Give It One More Try,” has inspired thousands across the globe to persevere in the face of adversity and never stop striving for their goals.
McNair is grateful for his knowledge and experience as a strategist and problem solver. His life skills and career coaching have inspired many lives. He’s received multiple recognitions and awards for his community outreach.
