At the Alpha Primary School (APS), there is a very talented family who have been richly blessed with gifts in the performing arts. They consist of five talented children (four of whom currently attend Alpha Primary) and their loving mother, Kimesha Morgan. In the face of recent challenges, the family has relied on their resilient spirit, continuous faith in God, and the support of the Mercy family to carry them through.
It is remarkable just how universally each and every member of the family has been touched with a love and talent for the arts. From their mother who had dreams of becoming a singer in her youth; to 14 year-old Rhashida’s love for dance; to 11 year-old Daquan’s penchant for singing, drumming and playing the keyboard – performing is undoubtedly in their blood. Daquan, in particular, is well known in the Mercy community and beyond as a consummate performer. His multi-talented nature and charismatic personality has won the hearts of many across Kingston through performances at churches, national competitions, school events and more. From tapping musical beats onto objects as a baby, to discovering his singing voice at Alpha Primary – Daquan has now gone on to win several musical awards and accolades such as medals from the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s National Festival of the Performing Arts competition in the years 2020, 2023 and 2024.
This shared passion for music has also blossomed within the family’s three youngest children – a set of eight year-old triplets named Kimone, Kimoya and Kimanie. Beyond performing, all five children also enjoy other interests such as reading, sports, and public speaking. In fact, young Kimoya recently won the bronze medal in the Kiwanis essay competition and Daquan is frequently invited to use his knack for public speaking to preach the Gospel of Christ to local church congregations.
Despite the joys that this family has experienced due to their many talents, they have also known pain and sorrow due to their mother’s ongoing battle with cancer. In 2019, their world was rocked by their mother’s first diagnosis of Stage 3 breast cancer. Although she was miraculously declared cancer-free a few years later, the cancer returned in 2023. After entering into remission last year, Kimesha Morgan’s cancer has heartbreakingly come back for a third time in 2024. Needless to say, this has been an enormous blow to the family as they attempt to continue school and daily life while grappling with this reality and supporting her recovery efforts. Throughout it all, their intense love for one another and deep-rooted faith in God is what gives them strength and hope. Ms. Morgan has faithfully continued to be an anchor for her five children; meeting their physical, social and emotional needs. She also strives to be transparent with them about the hardships which have come from their situation, while creating a safe space for every member of the family to be vulnerable with each other regarding their thoughts and feelings.
One heartening thing which has come from this time has been the unwavering show of love and support from the Mercy family. Alpha Primary School’s leadership has waived the expected parental monetary contribution to the school for this new academic year and has provided financial support for books and uniforms. Prior to this, former Principal, Ms. Yvette Samuels and two APS parents each helped to facilitate financial assistance regarding school-related expenses. Furthermore, the Sister of Mercy’s Laws Street Ministry (run by Sister Benedict Chung, RSM), has started to give the family monthly care packages to help to provide for their needs. These donations are extremely necessary, as Ms. Morgan has had to stop working whilst seeking treatment and there is not much in the way of extended family support.
These tokens of support have been received with great appreciation. In the words of Rachel Matthews, the APS Board Chair, “When I informed [Ms. Morgan] of the school’s intention to support her children, I could see the relief wash over her. Her eyes, once burdened with worry, softened with gratitude. It was as if an invisible weight had been lifted from her shoulders, which visibly relaxed. Her expression told me more than words ever could—this was not just an offer of help, but a lifeline at a time when she needed it most. The school’s decision to extend mercy and support brought her comfort and hope during an incredibly difficult period for her family.”
