In the quiet, rolling hillside of Bellfield, St Catherine, a small primary and infant school recently received an unexpected source of hope and encouragement. Amid the lush greenery and rural charm, Marlie Hill Primary and Infant School welcomed the generosity of Isaiah Laing—known for his leadership at Supreme Promotions and his charitable Supreme Foundation—who delivered over 100 new backpacks to its 70-plus students just in time for the holiday season.
Unlike a one-time gesture, this initiative is woven into a larger tapestry of Laing’s ongoing commitment to nurturing educational growth in communities that often struggle with limited resources. A former student of Marlie Hill himself, he returned not only to bring material support, but to kindle inspiration. This school, which also shaped the early years of the Honorable Portia Simpson Miller, is a place steeped in legacy, and Laing’s gift acknowledges that past while investing in the future.
Each colorful backpack represented far more than a practical necessity. For families accustomed to the financial strain of securing school supplies, receiving a backpack well before the start of the next term eases a looming worry. For children, it’s a cheerful reminder that their academic journey matters and that successful figures from their own community are invested in their potential. To sweeten the occasion, students enjoyed ice cream and other refreshments, transforming a simple handover of items into a day of celebration and pride.
Leaders at Marlie Hill Primary and Infant School understand the ripple effect of such kindness. They know that support from someone who once sat in these same classrooms will resonate with the students. Every donation, every act of thoughtfulness, helps fortify the school’s mission to equip young minds for future achievement. It also encourages the teaching staff—seven dedicated educators—to push forward, motivated by the knowledge that their work is valued beyond the immediate vicinity.
This isn’t the first time Laing’s outreach has cast a positive light on the school. Past initiatives from the Supreme Foundation have ranged from local treats to organized trips offering children experiences they might otherwise never have. This ongoing dedication underscores an important lesson: true community investment is not a fleeting gesture but a sustained effort.
As students at Marlie Hill Primary and Infant open their new backpacks and dream about what lies ahead, they carry with them a tangible symbol of faith in their capabilities. The holiday gifts from Laing and the Supreme Foundation represent a forward-looking vision—one where past graduates return to uplift the next generation, ensuring that a small hillside community continues to grow stronger and brighter with each passing year.
