Founded in 1926, the Léonce Mégie School has established itself over the decades as an Essential Educational Pillar at the heart of the Vallée Community. Among its Alumni, the Institution boasted Eminent Figures, such as Cardinal Chibly Langlois, an Emblematic Figure and worthy son of La Vallée.
On Tuesday, May 13th , 2025, the Saint Jean Baptiste Church in La Vallée de Jacmel hosted the Solemn Mass Marking the Official Launch of the Centennial Festivities of the Léonce Mégie School. A Grandiose Ceremony in a Packed Church, where Religious Men and Women, Officials, Notables, Parents, Teachers, Students, and Student Delegations gathered to Honor 99 Years of Unwavering Educational Commitment with their eyes already turned toward the Hundredth Anniversary.
Four Prominent Figures on the Spotlight
Throughout this Jubilee Year, four Personalities who have marked the History of the Institution would be Honored:
Reverend Father Léon Bonnaud
The Current Director, Brother Lamy Dessalines, recalls that the Léonce Mégie School would never have seen the light of day without the determination of Father Léon Bonnaud, Founding Priest of the Saint Jean Baptiste Parish (1910). A Visionary, he was committed to providing the Community with a Public School that would later become the Léonce Mégie School. He therefore undertook all the necessary steps with the State Authorities, thus laying the First Stones of that True Monument of Education in La Vallée.
Léonce Mégie
An Unwavering Supporter of Father Bonnaud in his efforts, Mr. Léonce Mégie, then a Member of Parliament for Jacmel, played a Decisive Role in the Success of that Ambitious Project. His Selfless Commitment and Loyalty earned him that Honor: the School now bears his Name as a Testament to his Major Contribution.
Brother Gérôme Émilien
The First Director of the ÉLM, Brother Gérôme Émilien, was the Sole Director when the School opened. A True One-Man Band, he combined the Roles of Director, Teacher, Gardener, Carpenter, Mason, and Cook. Among his Former Students was the Late Professor Léon Franck, a Testament to the Lasting Impact of his Commitment.
The Laroche duo (Arthur and Granville)
Young, passionate, and eager to serve their Community, Brothers Arthur and Granville Laroche were the Institution’s First Teachers, supporting Brother Gérôme in that Noble Mission. Together, they laid the Foundations of the Vallée’s Intellectual Edifice, a Legacy the Community is still proud of today.
That Celebration was also an Opportunity to salute the Current Priests of the Parish of Saint John the Baptist, Reverend Fathers Simon François and Jacob Maxi, who perpetuate the work of Father Bonnaud with Unwavering Commitment. Monsignor Sauveur Content, a Former Student of the Léonce Mégie School and Co-celebrant, was also honored, as was the Mayor of the Town, Mrs. Marie Yolaine Philippeaux.
The event recognized the dedication of the Missionary Brothers, of Engineer François Laroche, Nephew of Professors Arthur and Granville, as well as that of the Forty-Five Teachers of the Léonce Mégie School and Brother André Guimond Technical School (ETFAG).
A Double Event
Indeed, ETFAG also celebrated its Twelfth Anniversary at that Ceremony. That Vocational School, a Pillar of Technical Training in the Valley Community, provided Quality Education each year to Dozens of Young People seeking a Promising Future.
1926-2026: Nearly a Century of Excellence for the Léonce Mégie School. As preparations intensify, many hope to be able to take part in that Grandiose Event. Let’s hope that the Current Situation in Haiti would not deprive them of the Opportunity to revisit that Alma Mater, which has undoubtedly left them with so much Pride and Unforgettable Memories.
May the Upcoming Festivities rekindle the Flame of Educational Excellence at La Vallée, inspire Future Generations, and consolidate the School’s Status as a Beacon of Knowledge and Solidarity.
See you in May 2026 to celebrate together a Century of Educational Greatness and Shared Pride.
Article by Berthony Boursiquot, Former Student of Léonce Mégie.