St Mary Tech driving innovation

At St Mary Technical High School, innovation is a daily practice shaping how students learn, create and prepare for the future.

At the centre of this transformation is a ground-breaking solar-powered aquaponics system, one of the school's most forward-thinking initiatives.

Inside a greenhouse powered entirely by renewable energy, students rear fish while cultivating crops using hydroponics - a method that eliminates the need for soil and maximises efficiency.

"It is what we do, and we continue to do whether or not we are celebrated," Orville Richards said about his school's embrace of innovation.

But the project is far more than an agricultural exercise. It serves as a living laboratory where science, technology and sustainability intersect. Students actively collect and analyse data, monitor environmental conditions and engage in system automation, gaining practical STEM experience that bridges the gap between theory and real-world application.

Richards, the 2025 LASCO Principal of the Year, said his school is driving a vision that ensures students leave school prepared to succeed in a fast-changing world.

"Our goal is simple. Every single child must leave knowing at least two real skills, ready to build their own future," Richards explained.

This emphasis on sustainability extends across the campus. Solar energy systems have been integrated into the school's daily operations, reinforcing a culture of environmental responsibility while reducing energy costs.

Students are also exposed to technical training in hybrid and standalone solar installations, alongside electrical installation at the CSEC level and City and Guilds Engineering certification - equipping them with industry-relevant qualifications.

"We are teaching [students] emergent skills so they can matriculate into the job market qualified and certified," he said. "As a school we are building resilience - first within the institution, then within the community and ultimately on at the national level."

Innovation at the school is not limited to science and energy. Recognising the importance of entrepreneurship, Richards has championed initiatives that encourage students to become self-reliant and business-minded.

One such initiative is the school's liquid all-purpose soap production programme. Initially introduced as a way to cut operational costs, the project has evolved into a dynamic, student-led enterprise. From formulation and quality control to packaging and branding, students are immersed in every aspect of production.

"What began as a cost-saving measure is now evolving into a student-driven enterprise," Richards shared, noting plans to expand production to supply other institutions while building both technical and business skills.

Through these initiatives, St Mary Technical High is redefining what education looks like -- blending sustainability, technology and entrepreneurship to create a model where students are not only learners, but innovators ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.