The Annie Walsh Memorial School (AWMS) was established in 1849 and is the oldest girls school in Sub-Sahara Africa. It was founded to educate women with intellectual skills and equip them with the determination to venture out into the world and successfully pursue a career. Alumnae of the AWMS are among the most successful women and leaders in Sierra Leone and in the Diaspora. This high school has maintained high standards in providing the best education for all who enter and exit its doors, as evidenced by the results of Basic Education Certificate (BECE) an exit exam for third year students, and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), formerly known as General Certificate in Education (GCE). Moreover, present students are often in the news for outstanding performance in extracurricular activities.

Jestina V. Jones attended attended the AWMS and later taught physical education there for two years.  Her mother and grandmother were alumnae too, as were her three sisters (Pamela Grant, Gloria Dillsworth and Gracie Williams) and her three girls (Wilma, Michelle, and Ethel).