Manchester High Rallies as Search for Missing Student Jayden Smith Continues

The Manchester community is intensifying its efforts to locate 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a first-form student of Manchester High School who has been missing since last Friday. Over 100 students, staff members, and administrators joined police and residents on Thursday to search the Wesley Road area in Mandeville following reports of sightings of the boy. Despite hours of searching, Jayden remains missing, but hope is alive that he will be found safely.

Key Details

Jayden Smith’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through the Manchester High School community. On Thursday, a large group of 102 students and 15 teachers joined law enforcement officers in a coordinated search effort across Wesley Road, an area where citizens had reported spotting a boy matching Jayden’s description.

The search was assisted by the use of a drone to cover more ground. Witnesses reported that the child believed to be Jayden was seen running away when approached by passers-by. One eyewitness recounted seeing the boy attempt to avoid people who tried to stop him.

Karcia Beezer, a sixth-form student, expressed the collective grief and determination of the school community:

“I joined this search because I believe that we have to find Jayden. He is very important to our school body. He is in the cadets and I think he is a very good young man. Today we are saddened… it is not a good feeling for us and we all are searching for him earnestly, because he needs to come back home.”

Background

Jayden was last seen on Friday, sparking a widespread community effort to find him. His schoolmates, teachers, and police officers have been working together, canvassing neighborhoods and raising public awareness.

Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel said the search team represents the concern and unity of the entire school community, which has been deeply impacted by Jayden’s disappearance. He explained that although not all students could participate due to safety protocols, a large contingent volunteered to assist.

Gabriel confirmed that credible sightings have kept hope alive. A staff member reported seeing Jayden on Wednesday evening in the Wesley Road area but was unable to intercept him.

“The positive we take from that is that he is alive. We are happy about that and we think we are getting closer and closer to having a breakthrough,” Gabriel said.

The school has also engaged in prayer and counseling sessions to support students as they grapple with uncertainty.

Quotes

• Principal Jasford Gabriel: “We want to see him and hold him… as you can imagine, the school community is quite uneasy. We are not so happy when one member suffers and the entire community feels it.”

• Student Karcia Beezer: “Jayden, come back. We need you; it is important for you to come back. I know that you are probably scared, but we will comfort you and cause you no harm.”

Our Opinion

The disappearance of Jayden Smith highlights the collective responsibility of schools, communities, and law enforcement in safeguarding children. Manchester High’s response demonstrates solidarity, compassion, and resilience during a time of uncertainty. While the search continues, the active involvement of students and staff is a reminder of the power of community action. We join in the hope that Jayden will be found safe and reunited with his loved ones.