GRENADA, December 18, 2008 - Mr. Creswell Julien O.B.E, affectionately known as ‘Cressie’, one time Mayor of the town of Grenville, author of the National Pledge, educator par excellence, disciplinarian and former principal of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (S.A.A.S.S), was laid to rest at the Grand Bras Cemetery yesterday after a funeral service which was held at the Grenville Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Julien taught for a brief period at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School (G.B.S.S) before becoming Principal of the St. Andrew’s Anglican Secondary School (S.A.A.S.S) around 1952, while the school was still at a stage of infancy - the first class was held in 1945 with forty-one boys and girls and three staff members. He remained principal of that institution until he retired in 1986. Under Mr. Julien’s resolute and visionary leadership, the school grew from strength to strength and moved from its ‘upper room’ location on Victoria and Ben Jones Streets, to the ‘Old Nutmeg Pool’ (G.C.N.A ) building on Jubilee Street to the Seamoon Pavilion and finally to Telescope, where the school finally found a permanent home. By that time, the school boasted a population of over 600 students and was able to make deep, indelible impressions on the academic, sporting and cultural landscapes of this country. As an educator, Mr. Creswell Julien was perceived by his students as one who was quite knowledgeable about almost every conceivable subject - ranging from religion to mathematics to sports. He was a very pious gentleman and devoted a substantial amount of his time towards teaching Religious Education. He also had a passion for sports, especially cricket, football and athletics. Whenever he spoke about these areas of interest, his face would ‘light up’ and he would share many personal stories as well as technical advice on how one can improve and excel in bowling, batting, high-jumping, long jumping, triple-jumping and the list can go on and on. He was a quiet man, who proved time and again, to have had tremendous wisdom, profound understanding and a great sense of humor. Creswell O’Riley Julien would have touched the lives of thousands of young men and women from the parish of St. Andrew’s as well as other surrounding parishes in a very positive and philosophical way – especially those who came from poor, working class families. He inspired those in his care to always strive for excellence in their respective fields. The fact that there are past students of SAASS - not only in Grenada but regionally and internationally – making invaluable contributions to their societies and communities in virtually every sphere of human endeavor is ample testimony of the selfless sacrifices that he has made over the years and his firm commitment towards providing quality education to those in his care. It was therefore quite fitting that this great Grenadian citizen was honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985, with the Order of the British Empire (OBE). A number of distinguished Grenadians spoke very highly about Mr. Julien and his tremendous accomplishments at his funeral service, including former Governor General of Grenada, Sir Paul Scoon, and former Principal of GBSS (current Principal of Westmorland Secondary school) Mr. Victor Ashby. Condolences were expressed by a number of other persons, including Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon, Tillman Thomas, who referred to Creswell Julien as ‘a strong disciplinarian, who instilled the values of study, hard work and good civics to his students.’ The past pupils of S.A.A.S.S. residing in New York will pay tribute to Mr. Creswell O’Riley Julien on Saturday December 20, 2008. The S.A.A.S.S Alumni Association (New York Chapter), has organized a Memorial Mass for him at St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, 331 Hawthorne Street, (NY Ave. & Nost. Ave.) Brooklyn, NY 11203. In the words of Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918): Why should I be out of mind because I am Out of sight? I am but waiting for you For an interval Somewhere very near Just around the corner. May the soul of the late Creswell O’Riley Julien O.B.E, (1923 – 2008) rest in peace. He may be gone, but will never be forgotten. His name will always be synonymous with S.A.A.S.S and his legacy will endure and surely withstand the test of time. By Wallace J.A Inside Grenada News