Clarendon College

Cadets salute National Heroes

“Saluting our heritage. Building our nation,” was this year’s theme at the recently concluded Heritage Day celebration, held at Clarendon College, on Friday October 18, 2008.

With a melodious blend of music, trendy and creative dance moves and a raft of cultural and traditional displays, Stuart Hall was whirled in frenzy.

The celebration, which commenced promptly at 9:30AM, was hosted by Clarendon College Science teacher Miss Jackson, whose vivacious energy held the students in an exuberant trance.

The resonant and pulsating drumming of the Cadet Band was an overwhelming delight, as students graciously motioned to the rhythmic strokes soaring through the Hall. The inspection of the Cadets was refined, timely and refreshing as Jamaica’s seven national heroes became the focus of their salutation.

The school’s choir matched perfect timing, as they pumped up a harmonious beat with their folkloric medley. Their thrilling dramatics, with plaque cards and their decorated bandana attire, was an exquisite touch to the resounding vocal arrangement.

Jhanielle and Danielle followed the upbeat momentum, with a lustre rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.”

By this, the students were feverish with enthusiasm and the stellar performance of the Folk Dance group, which showcased a blend of Indian and African dances, propelled the awe that swept all around.

Cassandra Prince came on in the midst of the reveling storm, belting out an ode to Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. This was followed by the Latin Dance group, with their scintillating gyration to Shakeria “Hips don’t lie.”

George belts out a heritage song to our delight

A rambunctious acclamation echoed through the Hall and this was never to be subdued, as 2002 Gospel Festival winner and Clarendon College Design Arts teacher, George Gordon, who through a deft use of vocal variety and ingenuity, sung “Up ye mighty race.” He closed off his performance, much to the dismay of students, with “Come to Jamaica,” which highlighted the vast and intrinsic beauty of Jamaica land we love.

The rhythmic ascension propelled guest speaker, Mrs. Hazel Vaz, community development officer at the Jamaica Development Commission (JDC), on stage. She was accompanied by her two daughters, whose childish charm and talent awed the students, as they drummed a tribute to Jamaica’s only heroine, Nanny of the Maroons.

It was wild hysteria when students grappled to pronounce the many African words that Mrs. Vaz imparted. Students, however, continued to thrill their beings with “Mi come from Africa” and “Mandela,” obviously contracting Mrs. Vaz cheerful energy.

Her message, however, was never to be confused as she emphasized the cultural legacy of Africa and Jamaica. She repeatedly stressed the enormity of a woman’s worth and the power she possesses.

“Women, we are powerful,” she stated, before ascending into a musical salutation of powerful female figures, such as Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Nanny and former prime minister, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller.

Mrs. Vaz continued to urge students to embark on a route of change to overhaul the derelict state of Jamaica.

“It’s time to take the beam from your own eyes. Change comes with information. Change comes from within. Change starts with us,” she prodded, before echoing the Jamaican proverbs, “One one coco