Originally published on the official St. Stanislaus College Facebook page on November 7, 2026, by the Journalism Club as part of its 160th Anniversary series. View the original post.
By Student Writer: Jedia Moses Rocke
Scribes: Julanie Ross and Jianna Hopkinson
From her early days navigating a newly co-educational St. Stanislaus College to her decades of service through the College Association, Mrs. Camille Teekasingh-DeGroot exemplifies what it means to carry forward the values of Saints.
Her journey is one shaped by creativity, confidence, unexpected opportunities and a lasting commitment to the institution that helped mould her.
When Mrs. Camille Teekasingh-DeGroot entered St. Stanislaus College in 1976, she was part of a historic transition, joining the second group of female students to enter the institution following its move towards co-education.
“There were significantly more boys than girls in those days,” she recalled. Yet, the vibrant life of Saints provided opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their abilities.
School life during the late 1970s was rich with diverse experiences. Beyond traditional academic subjects, students participated in practical arts, learning woodwork, metalwork, sewing and other forms of craftsmanship. She particularly remembered creating items through woodwork and metalwork, experiences that encouraged patience, creativity and precision.
Sports and inter-house rivalries were also central to the school's atmosphere. Cricket, basketball and hockey teams were particularly active, while badminton and other recreational activities provided additional opportunities for students to participate.
Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot recalled playing badminton and observing the enthusiasm surrounding the College's sporting activities.
However, the competitive spirit was not limited to the athletic field. Students could also earn points for their houses through academic and artistic pursuits, including elocution, public speaking, debating and house plays.
It was during these formative years that she developed a deep appreciation for the visual and performing arts.
One experience that remains particularly memorable was studying Art at the GCE level. She recalled a dedicated teacher who introduced students to the history of art and calligraphy, often conducting additional sessions to develop their skills.
For Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot, these lessons represented more than an opportunity to learn artistic techniques. They demonstrated the influence teachers could have in shaping students' interests, discipline and personal development.
Among the many activities offered at Saints, drama and elocution held a special place in Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot's school experience.
Her interest in performance began through her participation in elocution competitions, where students were encouraged to develop their speaking abilities and express themselves confidently before an audience.
“I was always entering the elocution competitions,” she recalled. “I would reach the finals, coming in second or third place.”
Although she did not always emerge victorious, those experiences strengthened her determination to improve.
Her love for drama and plays eventually led her to become actively involved in the school's drama group.
Under the guidance of Sir Ean Valz, who played an important role in developing young actors and actresses, she learned the importance of preparation, expression and confidence on stage.
One particularly memorable experience came in 1980, when she participated in a production at the Theatre Guild.
Initially serving as the understudy for the lead female role, she unexpectedly found herself being called upon to take the place of the lead actress.
It was a defining moment that required her to draw upon the confidence and skills she had developed through years of participating in drama and elocution.
What began as an interest in performing gradually became an important part of her personal development.
She explained that drama taught her how to speak eloquently, communicate her feelings and present herself confidently before others.
“Being involved in drama taught me to be eloquent, to speak comfortably in public, and never to be shy or submissive. It gave me the ability to express my feelings clearly and defend myself when necessary.”
These lessons extended beyond the stage.
The confidence she gained through public speaking and performance would remain valuable throughout her adult life, helping her navigate professional responsibilities, community involvement and leadership.
For Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot, the performing arts were never simply about entertaining an audience. They were also about discovering one's voice and learning how to use it.
After completing her studies at Saints, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot continued her education at St. Rose's High School, where she attended Sixth Form from 1981 to 1983.
At the time, St. Stanislaus College did not offer the business stream she wished to pursue, making the transfer necessary for her academic interests.
Following Sixth Form, she entered the aviation industry, securing employment with an airline.
The position provided opportunities to travel extensively and experience life beyond Guyana.
During this period, her family was preparing to migrate, and she expected that she would eventually follow a similar path.
However, life unfolded differently.
Through her employment, she met the man who would become her husband, and her plans for migration changed as she decided to remain in Guyana and build her family.
Reflecting on the unexpected direction her life took, she shared a philosophy that continues to hold meaning for her:
“It's not what you want for your destiny, but rather what destiny has for you.”
Her experiences taught her that life does not always follow the path one initially imagines. Sometimes, unexpected circumstances create opportunities that become equally meaningful.
As a mother of three, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot also carried forward her appreciation for sports and extracurricular activities.
Having witnessed the importance of sporting opportunities during her years at Saints, she encouraged her children to become involved in athletics.
Today, she takes great pride in their achievements, particularly their participation in sports at the national level, including squash and hockey.
For her, their accomplishments reflect the importance of encouraging young people to explore their interests and develop their talents beyond academics.
Although Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot eventually left the classrooms of Saints, her connection to the College did not end with graduation.
Instead, it developed into a longstanding commitment to supporting the institution and the generations of students who followed.
During a period when Guyana was experiencing significant migration and the loss of skilled individuals, many former students were leaving the country.
This created challenges for alumni organisations seeking to maintain active local involvement in their schools.
Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot recognised the need for former students who remained in Guyana to contribute to the continued development of St. Stanislaus College.
With relatively few women among the older alumni membership, she also saw an opportunity to become involved and offer her support.
Her association with the College's alumni organisation would develop into decades of service, including responsibilities in its administration and financial affairs.
Over the years, she has served in executive capacities, including Secretary and Treasurer, contributing to the organisation's fundraising efforts and the management of resources intended to benefit the school.
Her involvement reflects a belief that the responsibility of former students should extend beyond remembering their schooldays.
For Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot, being a Saints alumna also means helping to preserve and improve the institution for future generations.
Among the contributions Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot remembers with pride is her involvement in the development of Saints Fest.
Organised through the College Association, the event became an important opportunity to bring members of the Saints community together while raising funds to support the institution.
Under the leadership of Association President Raj Singh, she assisted with the organisation and development of the initiative.
Saints Fest represented more than a fundraising activity. It created opportunities for former students, families and supporters to reconnect with the College and contribute to its continued development.
Her commitment to service has also extended beyond Saints.
For many years, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot has been involved in charitable and community activities associated with Mercy Hospital.
Her contributions have included helping to organise Christmas celebrations for children and participating in the hospital's Santa Booth initiative.
These activities reflect her belief in giving back to the community and creating meaningful experiences for others.
Whether through school fundraising or community outreach, service has remained an important part of her life.
Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot also recalled a particularly challenging period in the College's history when the school building suffered serious damage caused by termites.
The deterioration of parts of the historic structure created an urgent need for rehabilitation.
For members of the College Association, the situation was deeply concerning, particularly because the institution held such significant memories and meaning for generations of former students.
Efforts to restore the building required cooperation, fundraising and assistance from alumni both locally and overseas.
The Toronto alumni community became involved in supporting the rehabilitation efforts, demonstrating the strength of the Saints network beyond Guyana's borders.
Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot also remembered the contribution of alumnus Mr. Chan-A-Sue, whose involvement helped secure support through Guyana Stores.
This assistance contributed to important repairs, including work on the College's ceilings and stairways.
The rehabilitation represented a significant achievement for those involved.
It was an example of what could be accomplished when former students and supporters worked together towards a common purpose.
For Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot, these efforts reinforced the importance of maintaining a strong College Association.
The buildings that housed generations of Saints students were more than physical structures. They were part of the institution's history, and preserving them was a responsibility shared by those who valued its legacy.
As St. Stanislaus College celebrates its 160th anniversary, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot hopes the institution will continue building on its traditions while adapting to the needs of modern education.
She expressed appreciation for the College's development in areas such as Information Technology, recognising the importance of preparing students for an increasingly technological world.
However, she also believes that certain aspects of school life deserve renewed attention.
Drawing on her own experiences, she strongly advocates for the return of regular debating, elocution competitions, drama and house plays.
In her view, these activities should not be treated merely as occasional extracurricular opportunities.
Instead, she believes they should form an important part of students' educational development.
She particularly emphasised the value of weekly debates, explaining that regular opportunities to speak before others can help students become more confident and articulate.
Drama, she believes, can teach students to express their emotions, communicate effectively and overcome the fear of speaking in public.
Her own journey provides an example of the lasting benefits these activities can offer.
The young student who participated in elocution competitions and stepped onto the Theatre Guild stage eventually became a woman capable of contributing confidently to organisations, fundraising initiatives and community projects.
She also hopes to see continued encouragement for sports, recognising their importance in developing teamwork, discipline and personal confidence.
For Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot, a well-rounded education should prepare students not only to pass examinations but also to communicate, collaborate and contribute meaningfully to society.
Looking towards the future, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot hopes that more former students will recognise the importance of remaining connected to St. Stanislaus College.
She believes that the institution's continued development depends not only on its administrators and teachers but also on the willingness of alumni to contribute their time, experience and resources.
Her message to current and graduating students is therefore one of responsibility and service.
“What do you think you can do to contribute to the College after you leave?”
It is a question she hopes students will consider as they prepare for life beyond Saints.
For her, graduating should not mark the end of one's relationship with the institution.
Instead, it should represent the beginning of another opportunity to contribute.
She encourages former students to become involved in the College Association, support fundraising initiatives and participate in efforts to strengthen the school's academic, sporting and cultural programmes.
Having witnessed the challenges of migration, structural deterioration and changing educational priorities, she understands the importance of an active alumni community.
Her own involvement demonstrates how individuals can continue making meaningful contributions long after their schooldays have ended.
For Mrs. Camille Teekasingh-DeGroot, the lessons learned at St. Stanislaus College have remained with her throughout the different stages of her life.
From the classrooms where she discovered the history of art and calligraphy to the elocution competitions that challenged her confidence, Saints provided opportunities that helped shape her interests and abilities.
Her involvement in drama taught her how to express herself, speak confidently and embrace unexpected opportunities.
Those lessons continued to influence her journey through employment, family life and decades of community service.
Today, her contributions to the College Association, fundraising initiatives and school rehabilitation efforts reflect the values of commitment and responsibility that she hopes future generations will embrace.
As the College marks 160 years, she hopes students will continue to enjoy the same opportunities for creativity, sporting involvement and personal growth that made her own school experience memorable.
She also hopes that more former students will return to support the institution and help preserve its traditions.
Her journey demonstrates that the influence of a school can extend far beyond the years spent within its classrooms.
For a young girl who once found her confidence through elocution competitions and theatrical performances, the stage was only the beginning.
Decades later, Mrs. Teekasingh-DeGroot continues to demonstrate that making an entrance may capture attention, but leaving a legacy requires commitment, service and a willingness to give back.
