The Dinthill Technical High School in St Catherine is celebrating being crowned champion, for the second consecutive year, in the annual band competition.
Principal Anthony Garwood hailed the unique April 11 achievement during a past students awards function held at the institution on April 13, where more than 300 students were awarded for their academic achievements.
“We are pleased by the work done which has allowed us to create history where the arts is concerned, and winning the band competition two consecutive years. This is a great and proud moment and today’s activities add momentum,” Garwood said.
The event saw 328 students been awarded medals and trophies for achieving scores of 65 per cent and above, representing the bronze and silver awards. Gold awards were handed out to those who received above 90 per cent in academics.
‘Work for it’
Guest speaker Pastor Jermaine Johnson implored the awardees to be reapers and not sleepers in endeavouring to achieve their goals.
He emphasised that those who are sleepers often have the potential, but fail to maximise it.
“I must tell you (awardees), life is like a farm. You sow, you wait and reap abundantly later. I beg not only to dream about success, but work for it or else your dream can become a nightmare, so study and remain focused,” Johnson said.
The clergyman said that, while doing their work in the classroom, students must be driven to succeed despite the challenges. He noted that events such as the awards function provide signs indicating whether they are heading in the right direction.
Joseph Small, president of the Dinthill Past Students’ Association, said five years ago it was decided to encourage the students to achieve their best throughout the awards ceremony
“The students are an integral part of the school, should development, therefore we are pleased to see that with dedication to academics, it has grown from 180 to now over 300. This is great and the effort will continue,” Small said.
Parent Michelle Johnson expressed satisfaction with the ceremony.
“It feels great to see my son being encouraged with a silver medal [for his school work]. Last year it was a bronze, therefore it is a positive step and, as a parent, I am indeed pleased,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile Amoy Levers, of the school’s parent-teacher association (PTA), said the parents, teachers and students are pleased.
“We ( PTA) are pleased to work will the administration and the past students association to have such a grand achievement for students who continue to do their best, academically and otherwise,” Levers said.
The function, which was interspersed with speeches and musical items, was held at the school’s Enos Barrett Auditorium under the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence, Inspiring Greatness’.