Jeaneane Neal’s story is one of unwavering dedication to education, community, and faith. Jeaneane Neal isn’t just the Principal of St. Ignatius High School and Adult Education division in San Ignacio & Santa Elena Town; she’s a force of nature, a beacon of hope for hundreds of disadvantaged and vulnerable youths in the Cayo District, Belize C.A. Leading a school that serves students from over 20 communities, she embodies the power of dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Born in San Ignacio Town and raised in Santa Elena Town, Cayo District, Neal’s upbringing instilled in her the values that now guide her leadership. Witnessing the industrious spirit of her parents, she learned the importance of perseverance. A bright student and exceptional athlete at Santa Elena RC Primary School, Sacred Heart College, St. John’s College Junior College, and the University of Belize, she garnered numerous awards, foreshadowing her future achievements.

Beyond her academic and athletic prowess, Neal demonstrated natural leadership qualities early on. Her ability to work within a team and her organizational skills shone throughout her high school and college years.

Her professional journey began as a secretary at St. Ignatius High School to athletics director and business teacher, but her versatility allowed her to teach a wide range of subjects, including physical education, math, business principles, accounting principles, social studies, geography, and history.

In 2012, she solidified her commitment to education by earning a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and School Improvement with Merit from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

Neal became one of the youngest high school principals in Belize in 2013. Driven by a deep-seated desire to provide quality education for vulnerable and at-risk youth, she faced initial resistance from some teachers. However, her unwavering determination and forward-thinking vision prevailed. She spearheaded a comprehensive reform of the school’s curriculum, discipline, academics, spirituality, climate, and overall capacity, transforming St. Ignatius into a thriving learning environment.

Neal’s accomplishments at St. Ignatius are wide-ranging and impactful:

• She’s significantly enhanced the school’s sporting program, ensuring students have opportunities to excel both on and off the field.
• She’s modernized the curriculum, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in preparing students for the future.
• She has established significant partnerships with colleges and universities in Mexico and the United States, creating avenues for additional education and opportunities.
• Under her guidance, academic standards have reached unprecedented heights, accompanied by a renewed emphasis on spirituality, rooted in her Catholic faith.
• Discipline, a cornerstone of her philosophy, is fostered not as punishment but to build students’ confidence, improve their socialization and team-building skills, promote healthy lifestyles, and most importantly, keep them engaged in school.

These initiatives have fueled increased student participation in national, regional, and international events, providing invaluable experiences and fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Beyond her dedication to education, Neal is a passionate public servant. Her interest in politics was ignited by her mother, a dedicated political activist. Accompanying her mother on numerous occasions, she developed a keen understanding of the political landscape. She embarked on her own political journey and served as Town Councilor and Deputy Mayor from 2003 to 2020, holding portfolios in key areas such as youth events, women development and equality, social events, civic pride, crime prevention, traffic, and education.

After dedicating almost two decades to political life, Neal retired in 2020, declaring, “I have given to Caesar what’s for Caesar; now I am giving to the Lord what is for the Lord,” signifying her renewed focus on her faith and her work at St. Ignatius.

Neal’s tireless service to her community has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2018. However, despite her public achievements, she remains grounded in her faith and family.

Outside of her demanding roles, she finds joy in attending church and spiritual retreats, spending quality time with loved ones, caring for senior citizens, gardening, reading, traveling, meeting new people, and, most importantly, working with children and youth.

Neal has also been an executive member for over 10 years with the Belize Association of Principals for Secondary Schools and is currently the vice chair of BAPSS. She is a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association of Belize, a Justice of the Peace, and a Court-Connected Arbitrator for the country of Belize.

Jeaneane Neal is more than just a principal; she is a role model, an advocate, and a source of inspiration for the students and the community she serves. She embodies the belief that with dedication, hard work, and a strong sense of purpose, anything is possible.

Her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable youth in Belize makes her a true champion for a brighter future.

Adapted from Breaking Belize News at: Jeaneane Neal: A champion of Education and Service empowering Belize’s future