JP Eustace awards Arts and Craft students

Over eighty students were awarded for their achievement in art and craft at the inaugural Dr. J.P. Eustace Memorial Secondary School Art and Craft Awards Ceremony.{{more}}

The ceremony, which took place on Friday, June 5, 2009, at the Kingstown Evangelical Church, saw students receiving awards of excellence and achievement in Clothing and Textiles, Plastic Canvases, Information Technology, Paper Art and Origami. The ceremony also featured singing by students and a performance by the school’s band.

Giving brief remarks at the ceremony, Art Teacher Natana McLean said that the purpose of the ceremony was to award students for the work done during the school year. Mclean also stated that the school, which has very often not been recognized, is now showcasing the many talents that it possesses.

Guest speaker at the event, Senior Education Officer Carlton Hall, urged the students to be creative when producing pieces and to think of different ways to present their art. These creations, he said, should be positive ones. “We are not talking about creating home- made bombs to become a home-made terrorists. You must be creating something that can contribute to yourself, the existence of your family and the development of your country,” he said.

Hall, who mentioned that the creative industry has “taken over” in many markets of the world, said that pursuing art can lead to many business oppourtunities for students and stressed that students must “put in the time” if they want to develop their talent. “Too many young people would like to achieve things but they do not want to put in the time,” he said. Hall further urged the students to work hard to achieve their best, and to develop the discipline and dedication needed to excel in their education.

Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste, also attending the event, commended the students on their achievements adding that they should be proud of their work. She also urged students to continue to work on their art and craft so that they would not lose their skills.

After the ceremony, students and invited guests were escorted to the school’s compound to view an exhibition of art pieces. Students from the Kingstown Anglican School and the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown and their teachers were also present to view the art done by the Dr JP Eustace students.(OS)