About

A Brief History

The Bishops' High School, Georgetown, Guyana.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE CHAPTER

The NY

Tri-State Chapter, Inc., is committed to a single goal; we want to make Bishops' High School a better place.

Following the first reunion of the Bishops' Alumni in Washington DC in 1984, a group of alumni in New York gathered at the home of one of our founding members - Paula Matthews Hazlewood to chart a course that would eventually lead to the formation of the New York Chapter of the Bishops' High School Alumni Association. This group met quarterly in an "Ad Hoc" status for the next three years. After the reunion in Toronto, other alumni became involved and the decision was made to formalize the organization. Inauguration took place in 1989 and the BHS Alumni Association New York Tri State Chapter was born. Paula Matthews Hazlewood was installed as the president until elections were held.

In keeping with the mission of alumni associations, the tristate chapter continues to actively raise funds to send to the school in Guyana. This has been accomplished by hosting various fund raising events, the proceeds from which have been used to furnish classrooms with desks and chairs, provide musical instruments for the music program, supplies for the home economics room, money for speech day awards and a yearly amount for the principal to use as she sees fit.

The association is a not-for-profit organization and must assist local charities to maintain this status. We have contributed to the Bishop Hucles' Episcopal Nursing Home in Brooklyn, as well as donated toys at Christmas to needy children through charitable organizations. We also answer "Dear Santa" letters, and have provided supplies to a local elementary school and a day care center in Brooklyn.

Our monthly meetings are well organized. Our agenda is limited not only to the discussion of ongoing projects and the school needs, but we also reserve some time to provide members with a wealth of information. We have invited professionals, many of whom are alumni to educate us on health issues, such as breast cancer, dental hygiene and preventive care, emotions and weight management. We have also had presentations on Financial and Investment Strategies, as well as what we need to know about Insurance Plans. We eagerly launched into a book club format with lively discussions on novels such as "the Pact" and "The Color of Water''. At our February meetings, we celebrate Black History month with members volunteering arts and crafts, displays, poetry readings and informative presentations of "Black History". The most enjoyable time is had at our December meeting, when our "Secret Santa" game keeps us laughing. We also enjoy the best food and drinks brought by the members, and the celebration is topped off with carol singing by candlelight. It is a truly delightful event that should not be missed.

Our membership roster is over 200. We encourage everyone in the New York Tri-State area to become involved as we continue to grow and serve our alma mater.

NY Tri Chapter

The School

THE SCHOOL

The Bishops' High School in Georgetown, Guyana was established in 1870 by the Anglican Church as a ladies' school. The school later merged with Mrs. Vyfhuis' school, also founded in 1870, and then with the DeSaffon school. Mrs. Vyfhuis was offered headship of the combined schools in 1875. The school's first home was at Brickdam and Manget Place, and then at "Minto House" on Waterloo Street. It later moved to "Lamaha House" at Carmichael and Lamaha Streets, the property of Bishop E.A. Parry.

In 1907, Bishop E.A. Parry moved the school to "Woodside House" (now known as "Transport House") on Main Street, and it became known as "Woodside House School". In 1921 the school moved to its present location at Carmichael and Murray (now known as Quamina) Streets. In 1922 Bishop E.A. Parry retired and the school then became known as "The Bishops' High School". Bishop Parry died in 1936 and the "Oswald Parry Hall" was opened at the school.

In January 1936, the school was handed over to the government of British Guiana. The new building was opened on January 5, 1946. The school celebrated its centennial in 1970 and became a co-educational institution five years later, in 1975.

The Team

THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE CHAPTER PRESIDENT

SHARON THOMAS-MUNRO

THE BHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TRI-STATE CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Sharon Thomas-Munro is a seasoned Litigation Specialist with deep expertise in General Liability and Automobile Claims. She is known for her precision, multitasking strength, and ability to foster strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders. A graduate of Dowling College, Sharon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Her longstanding commitment to the Bishops’ High School Alumni Association Tri-State Chapter is marked by service in multiple roles, including Vice-President, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. Now serving as President, she brings a steadfast dedication to continuing the chapter’s impactful work, as well as supporting the school’s legacy and students.

Sharon is supported in her role by a dynamic team:

Jo-Ann Davis-Valz, Vice President;

Lavonne Smith, Treasurer;

Jacqueline Smartt, Secretary;

Charwin Agard, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Members-at-Large include

Jacqueline Cholmondeley, Fundraising Chairperson;

Nolee Williams, Membership Coordinator;

Shaundell English, Public Relations Officer;

Camille Boxhill, Parliamentarian;

Gail Nunes, New Jersey Liaison;

Abigail Rodrigues, Connecticut Liaison.

Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, Sharon is a proud mother of two accomplished children, a son and a daughter who are her greatest joy along with her partner, Rawle Briggs. She cherishes time spent with family and friends, finding her happiest moments in shared laughter and connection. When not traveling, Sharon enjoys yoga, hiking, gardening, and can often be found planning her next adventure before the memories of the last one have faded.

Congratulations and Best Wishes, Sharon

President

Vice-President

Jo-Ann Davis-Valz is an Actuary and Vice President in the Life and Health Valuation organization at Swiss Re America Holding Company in Armonk, New York. Her primary focus is the Latin American market. An active member of the Society of Actuaries in North America, Ms. Davis-Valz has been in the actuarial profession since 1988. Ms. Davis-Valz has a special interest in diversity and inclusion and has mentored several colleagues throughout her career. She enjoys music, a passion nurtured while at The Bishops' High School, and currently sings with the Stamford Chorale, a community choir. She also serves on the Chorale's Board.

Ms. Davis-Valz attended the Bishops' High School from 1970 to 1977 and was Head Prefect from 1976 to 1977. She holds a Bachelor's in Mathematics, specializing in Statistics from the University of Waterloo, Canada, a Master of Arts (Econometrics) from Queen's University, Canada and a Master of Science (Statistics) from Western University, Canada.

Ms. Davis-Valz currently lives in Stamford, Connecticut.

JO-ANN DAVIS VALZ

VICE-PRESIDENT

Lavonne Smith is an experienced Analyst at New York City Transit, bringing more than ten years of expertise from the Banking and Finance industry to her current role in transportation.

Lavonne holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of North Florida, as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration specializing in Investigation and Operational Inspection - both from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. During her time at John Jay, Lavonne served as Treasurer of the International Students Association for one year, managing the association’s finances.

Lavonne attended The Bishops’ High School from 1986 to 1991 and remains a proud member of Wearn House.

LAVONNE SMITH

TREASURER

Treasurer

Jacqueline Smartt is an English as a New Language Teacher, the ENL Coordinator, the Chair of Student Activities, and My Sisters Keeper and My Brothers Keeper Advisor at George Washington Carver High School for the Sciences. She holds an Associate in Applied Science from Kingsborough Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications from Baruch College, Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling from Hunter College and a Master of Education in English as a Second Language from Long Island University.

She is the author of three books, Navigators Travel to Guyana, Brooklyn Squirrel Chronicles and In the Footsteps of My Ancestors. Her passion is travel and so far she has visited 38 countries on six continents. She is an active member of her local Community Council and she has spoken at public hearings to protect her neighborhood from gerrymandering. She also volunteers every week with her students at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Food Pantry in Springfield Gardens.

Jacqueline attended The Bishops High School from 1977 to 1983 and is a proud member of Allen House.

JACQUELINE SMARTT

SECRETARY

Secretary

Charwin Agard is a Director in the Global Corporate & Investment Banking division at the Bank of America. He manages a portfolio of Technology, Media & Telecommunications clients, delivering the firms treasury solutions globally. Charwin’s financial services career has spanned more than 30 years and is distinguished by senior leadership roles with some of the largest global financial institutions. Prior to his role with Bank of America he was a Managing Director & US Country Head of Sales covering the Diversified Industrials sector at HSBC. Before joining HSBC Charwin was an Executive Director within Corporate Banking and Specialized Industries at J.P. Morgan. Charwin has been privileged to travel extensively across the globe in his career, consulting with and advising treasury teams at some of the largest, most well known companies in the world.

Charwin has been a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion in his career. At HSBC he was the national Co-Chair of the Resource for Employees of African and Caribbean Heritage employee resource group. He also served on the advisory board of the Advancing Black Initiatives and African Heritage groups.

CHARWIN AGARD

ASSISTANT SECRETARY/TREASURER

At JP Morgan Charwin was a mentor in the Advancing Black Pathways initiative and a Diversity & Inclusion Champion. He is passionate about supporting the careers of junior Black & Latino bankers and devotes much of his time towards mentorship and speaking on DEI panels.

Charwin attended The Bishops’ High School from 1980 – 1986, leaving after his Lower Sixth year when his family migrated to the United States. A proud and apologetically vociferous member of Baskett House, Charwin excelled at high school athletics in Guyana. He continued in that vein in the US, competing in NCAA basketball at Stony Brook University in Long Island, NY. Charwin graduated from Stony Brook in 1992, having earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Economics, with a minor in Business Management.

Charwin credits his Bishops’ experience as the foundation of much of his professional success. He is proud to have shared Bishops’ with three siblings, Helen, Mincia and Wayne. Go Pink!

Charwin currently resides in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

Past President

Philip Peroune is the Immediate Past President of the Chapter. He has also served the Chapter as vice-president and treasurer prior to being president. Philip enjoys participating in projects at the school as this is his way of giving back to the students. He continues to work on several tasks which will enhance the learning experience for students at The Bishops’ High School.

Philip attended Bishops’ High School from 1975 through 1980 He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies – with an emphasis on Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration, both from Barry University, Florida.

PHILIP PEROUNE

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT