EHSM hosts inter-class literacy competition and exhibition

For the second consecutive year, the Emmanuel High School Mesopotamia (EHSM) has hosted an inter-class literacy competition and exhibition.{{more}}

On October 23, under the theme “Highlighting our Cultural and Academic Heritage”, the student body showcased its literacy skills in the form of storytelling, writing and public speaking.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, literacy coordinator Shara Ollivierre-Stewart highlighted the importance of having this type of competition.

“Literacy is a skill that you need to develop because it’s a foundation for the other areas in your life, academically and holistically. It is everybody’s business and it helps to develop ourselves, as well as the country,” she said. “Generally, people have the impression that literacy is learning to read and write only, but it also includes integrating the computer skills, mathematical skills”.

Ollivierre-Stewart also noted that each form had a specific theme that they were expected to emphasize during the event.

“The form ones and twos had to do storytelling about their national symbols and their school symbols. The form threes composed songs, original songs under “Life and Times of J.P. Eustace”. The form fours created poems on the topic ‘1979 La Soufriere Eruption,’ with emphasis on the role that Emmanuel played and the form fives did speeches on “Why Doctor J.P. Eustace should be the next national hero,” the literacy coordinator revealed.

Although students were awarded with first, second and third places in each category, all participants were given prizes for being a part of the competition.

The literacy coordinator stated that the competition has a significant impact, not only on the students of EHSM, but the teachers as well.

“I think the students look forward to an activity like this because not only were they able to express their creativity, we also had an exhibition; so we showcased their work to give them some sort of motivation; so I think it impacted well on the general body – staff as well as the students,” she said.

Additionally, past students of the institution who achieved eight passes or more in the 2013 CSEC examinations were honoured at the event. This was done to celebrate the academic achievements of the 50-year-old school, as well as to inspire the other students.

The students who were honoured included Shameika Alexander, D’Mario Browne, Melvin Hannaway, Skip Harry, Nadisha James, Michael Samuel, Akeino Bibby, Shemeica Cumberbatch, Dellon Durrant, Kamilah Harry, Shafika Horne, Annella John, Jacob John, D’nain Johnson, Elisha McDowall, Alex Peters and Glennard Williams.(BK)