Sister Mary Ignatius, R.S.M. Standing Outside the Alpha Boys' School in Kingston, Jamaica

This is a photograph of Sister Mary Ignatius, R.S.M., a nun in the Catholic order of the Sisters of Mercy, standing outside of the Alpha Boys’ School in Kingston, Jamaica. As a teacher and administrator at the school for more than 60 years, she had been one of the strongest supporters of the school’s music program.  

Born November 18, 1921 in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Sister Ignatius became a nun on February 1, 1939, and began working at the Alpha Boys’ School immediately after high school. During her tenure there, Sister Ignatius organized the performances of the Alpha Boys’ Band and ensured that they always had music and instruments. Several graduates, including a number of The Skatalites, credit her with influencing their personal development and musicianship.  

Although Sister Ignatius was not a musician, her interest in Jazz and R&B balanced the curriculum's focus on Western Classical and brass band music. Sister Ignatius remained a vital force at the Alpha School until her death on February 9, 2003.