New Prospect Primary School secures second and third spots in junior calypso

The New Prospect primary school can now be considered a force to be reckoned with, in the junior calypso arena.{{more}}

The school placed second and third in this year’s junior calypso competition.

Tia “Singing Tia” Wyllie placed second with her rendition “Proud to be Vincy,” while her schoolmate, Cha-chanie “Lady Cha-Chanie” Morgan rounded off the top three spot with her song, “Education.”

Since the school was opened in 1976, last year was the first time the school participated in the competition, placing third.

Located in the small Windward village of New Prospect, also known as Simon, the school has an enrollment of 34 students and a staff of four.

“This is indeed a great achievement for us,” headteacher, Albert Harry told SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday.

Harry, who took up the position of headteacher in September 2012, said that over the years, the school has been overlooked.

“Entering the competition for the first time last year, placing third, and this year placing second and third is an historical moment, not only for the school, but also the community.

“We’re trying very hard to build a recognizable image for the school, by getting the students involved in various activities and competitions,” Harry added.

Harry said that despite being a small institution, with team work by the staff and students, the school has the potential to excel in any field.

“Tia and Cha-chanie are two of our top students, and I must commend them on their achievement and making the New Prospect primary school proud.

“Tia, although in Grade 5, sat this year’s Common Entrance Exams and she passed. She also placed first in the girls in ICT essay competition that was held earlier this year.

“Cha-chanie on the other hand, is a star in the rising,” Harry added.

St Clair Stevenson, a teacher at the school for the past 12 years, composed both songs.

Stevenson, who is a musician and songwriter, said he was “overwhelmed and at the same time proud” when the announcement was made that his students had placed second and third.

“We had the least number of practice sessions, because when they started to practice, I was at a workshop and they also missed their final practice, because that was the same day of the school’s graduation ceremony.

“So they were at a disadvantage, if I may say.

“It’s also a challenge to travel from New Prospect to Cane Garden where the band room is located for rehearsals…,” Stevenson said.

He explained that because of his experience as a song writer, it was not a difficult task composing the songs.

“I pick up bits and pieces of information from the news, reading the newspapers and even while teaching, the information will just flow. And I’ll pick up my guitar and try to get a melody and tune for the song.

“I think that was the hardest part,” he said.

He said neither Tia or Cha-chanie were known to be singers but through training, the two were able to master their notes.

“We have a subject in school, creative arts, where we do a little bit of music, drama and poetry….”

“After writing the songs, I gave all the students in the class the lyrics and taught them the songs. I played the guitar and each student sang and from there I selected the best,” he revealed.

Twenty years ago, while attached to the Calliaqua Anglican School, Stevenson was instrumental in the development of eight time junior calypso monarch, Shaunelle McKenzie.(AA)