Whitney Institute has launched a year of celebration as it commemorates 130 years of providing academic excellence to the Smith’s community.It was in 1878 when the idea was first developed by Smith’s parishioners to construct a building on a plot of land that had been donated by Thomas and Ameria Pearman. The purpose, according to early documents, was “for the purpose of a Sunday or Day School or Schools or Young Men’s Christian Association, Lecture Room, Reading Room, for a Library or for any Public Meeting, for entertainments, for any such other useful purposes as the Trustees shall determine.”Fund raising and construction began quickly, and by August 1880, a two storey building had been almost completed, waiting just for its roof, when the Island was hit by hurricane that completely destroyed the work that had been done. Fundraising had to start all over again, until Mr. and Mrs. William Whitney made substantial donations that allowed the work to be completed and the school finally established in 1883.To celebrate, the school is hosting a Gospel Explosion concert tonight, under the patronage of Pastors Terrence and Jeanann Stovell.“This is really the kick-off for events,” said Whitney principal, Reeshemah Swan. “We have other plans in the works for later this school year.”Why Gospel music?“Its about giving thanks and being thankful,” Ms. Swan shared, giving thanks for the school, its heritage and the legacy Whitney has left on the community through more than a century of influence.The Gospel Explosion will feature a wide variety of individuals and groups performing, many of whom are either alumni, friends or family of the school. Those performing including Devaun DeGraff, Shacolbi Basden and John Duncan, the Agape Faith Praise Team, the BCCF Praise Team, Neville Caines, Dawnette Hart, the Salvation Army Band, Marvin Stovell (Geneman), NOVA (Justin Tucker) and Nikita Robinson, as well as a special performance by the newly created Whitney Middle School Family Choir, which consists of students and faculty. The evening will be emceed by Judith Stovell.The event has been organised by alumnus, Laurie Lambert, whose husband is also on staff at the school.“Ms Lambert and her class just celebrated thirty years,” Ms Swan said.Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Patrons seats cost $20, while regular entry is $10 and Whitney students are just $5 each. The evening will begin at 7pm at the Whitney Institute Auditorium.