The Administration, Staff and students of the Haywood Mission Institute (HMI) held a thanksgiving program of its formal administrator/principal Bishop Dr. Leo M. Simpson as he turned 76 years.
The colorful event was held on Monday , December 15, 2025 on the main campus of the school in Old Road, Sinkor.
Special prayer for God’s favor, protection and wellbeing of Bishop Simpson was offered for and on behave of the Administration, Staffs, and Student of the Haywood Mission Institute.
It was led by Pastor Samuel A. Gbeyeah/Instructor.
During the prayer, it was recommended by the school administration that the former Administrator/Principal birthday be celebrated annually.
Proverb chapter 9:11 was reference in support of what Bishop Simpson stood for over the years, which states: “Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life”
Bishop Simpson flanked by his one and only daughter, Mrs. Monique Simpson-Foray, who is now Administrator/Principal of the Haywood Mission Institute following the prayer, took the stand in respond to the heartfelt prayer in an emotional mood with tears of joy and gratitude from the Administrator/Principal, Staffs, and students.
He spoke of being amazed that the school could honored, and celebrate with him on his birth anniversary.
He further ssid who would have thought that a man born in Fissibu who did not have the opportunity to have success and going to school in the (50’s) Fifty’s in Fissibu-Lofa County noting that was out of the question.
He said but by the devine providence of God allow him to have been born, had a mission for his life and the celebration of his 76th Birthday is the evidence of God’s plan for him, adding you are that evidence of that mission that the Almighty have favor me with.
Bishop Dr. Leo M. Simpson used the occasion and thanked his daughter who is now the Administrator/Principal of the Haywood Mission Institute replacing him as principal by evidence by her hard work and dedication to education.
The Liberian educator who have founded many lives over the years said God knows what to do when he choose him.
He said God choose his daughter to the position to which she is serving now even before he met her mother that she would be Administrator/Principal of Haywood Mission and historic educational center in the Republic founded in 1931 by a lady, and now a distinguish young lady as leader.
The Liberian educator said once move to the students and administration saying on this day as you celebrate my coming into the world, it is my prayer that you will remain obedient to your principal.
The astute Liberian educator stressed further that for 47 years at Haywood Mission Institute as leader there have never been any violent situation or strake action or disruption of classes but always resolve differences through dialogue.
He noted that student of Haywood since 1978 up to present have always resolve through peaceful means and urged the students to continue on said path and support and respect their new principal at all times as it is known that Haywood is the best amongst the rest.
He thanked the twelve (12) graders who have submitted to his delight a letter of apology and resolution to be a their best to their leader principal Foray adding I am very proud of your gesture.
Meanwhile, in a sad mood, Bishop Simpson all in tears said he was sadder for what he said a better part of him his wife Dr. Myra Simpson was not present to celebrate the day with him, but thank God that by social media she will be connected.
He honored her with the honor bestowed on him by the administrator and students of the school. He thanked the teachers, students for their gifts and supports over the years as that leader and principal and administrator.
Haywood Mission Institute was founded in1931 by a native born Liberian Mrs. M.C. Bennetta who was taken from her people as a slave to America at a very tender age, re-sailed to this part of West Africa Cost (Liberia) and sat the blueprint for an institution which is today widely acknowledged for it’s role in molding the minds of young Liberians into useful and patriotic citizen from the shackles of backwardness and ignorance.