Close to 100 students from the Calliaqua District have pledged not to bury their talents, but through education, use them to develop their schools, homes, churches and nation.{{more}}

The students, led by Girls’ High School (GHS) student Nikita DaSouza, made the pledge on Sunday, September 12, during a special back to school programme held during 7a.m. mass at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Calliaqua.

The students, most of whom were neatly dressed in school uniform, helped to fill the church to capacity for the annual programme, during which they lustily sang school favourites such as “Lord behold us with Thy blessing” and “Immortal, Invisible, God only wise.”

Linda Peters of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies of the Community College (SVGCC) and Jacel Toney of the Bishop’s College read the Old and New Testament Lessons respectively, while other youngsters, dressed in school uniform, served on the Altar, collected and presented the offering, and performed musical pieces.

Kristhlyn Williams, Linda Peters, Jenetta Richards-Charles, Alicia Huggins, Mark Nash and Jennice Culzac, who were successful in this year’s CSEC examinations, were among those specially recognized by the congregation.

Culzac received a special prize for being the most outstanding performer in the CSEC, among members of the church. A former student of the GHS, she returned eight grade ones and two grade twos in the 2010 exams. Students writing the Common Entrance Examination, the CSEC, CAPE and other external examinations during the upcoming school year were recognized and encouraged to do their best.

Several teachers and principals were in attendance to give support to the programme, including Headteacher of the Calliaqua Anglican School Yvette Bowen, Headteacher of the Fair Hall Government School Sherron Morgan-Peters, Principal of the Bishop’s College Kingstown Cecelia King and Calma Balcombe, Principal of the St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown.

Young musician Mark Nash, of the SVGCC gave a rendition on pan, while specially invited guests: Neteko Quammie, Kelelm Beache and Daniel Fergus of the National Insurance Services band performed the Mighty Sparrow’s classic: “Education”.

The feature address was given by Dr. Joel Warrican, Director of the SVGCC, while the Mass was celebrated by the Reverend Father O. Samuel Nichols. The programme was coordinated by former Headmistress of the GHS Joye Browne.