By: Jaide Bridge
On March 7, 2008 all roads led to Portland for destination - Buff Bay High School. Despite the dusty roads due to construction of the new highway the arrival of Inseason Juice KLAS School Tour at the school, was a literal breath of fresh air as the school is surrounded by lush vegetation; a major characteristic of Portland.
Tony Young from KLAS opened up with a reminder to students about the reason for this tour – "Stay in School."
After criss-crossing the island for a few months now, the tour's impact was for the first time, positioned to transcend international boundaries - by virtue of visibly excited exchange students in the crowd. Buff Bay High was host for these 24 French speaking students and their chaperones; all hailing from the Polyvalente La Samare School in Quebec, Canada, who will reciprocate by receiving 24 Buff Bay High students on a similar exchange programme in April.
DJ Kat did his usual introductory hot juggling much to the students' delight and then it was time for the Buff Bay School Choir followed by words of wisdom from head boy and girl, Ramona Robinson and Ramone Ramsey respectively.
Highlighting the creativity amongst youth, the tour has been consistently exposing some amazing talent found within the schools visited. Raymond Stewart a student from the school was one of the best featured yet, as he presented imitations of sports commentators. This meshed well with the live broadcast of the event on KLAS Sports Radio. Raymond did track and field commentating as well as a cricket match and then was challenged by Tony Young to commentate on a football match.
Racquel was amazing as were Orville & Company and students of the Excelsior High School, who did a skit called "Passa Passa." Tony Young commented on Orville's huge talent, saying he was reminiscent of Shebada a famous character in Jamaica's Coral Theatre.
Another student, Melody Davis, introduced a fresh vibe of confidence and reinforced the reason for the gathering with her songs, "A Portland Me A Tan" and "Education is Key." Other young performers included Junior Thompson, a gospel singer, as well as one of the exchange students who showcased her Francophone culture.
The Adidas jingle competition was an added treat for students who were given the task of creating a catchy jungle for Adidas. Many volunteered and the winners were judged by their peers. All participants received gifts from Adidas.
Omond Gordon, captain of the track and field team who unfortunately has a back injury and will not be able to participate in this year's Boys and Girls Champs, spoke on sports at Buff Bay. Deputy Head Girl Amoy Everrett – also the discus champion, was confident that her team would do well at champs this year.
Alibra who has been traveling with the KLAS/Inseason Tour showed her versatility by both singing and Deejaying. She delivered an original piece "Clearly" and advised the kids that if anyone messed with them, the new thing to say is 'Clearly.' Her final number was an old time favorite "Perphida."
The group A20, comprised of handsome young men who always thrill the female students, reiterated the importance of Staying in School and encouraged no fighting in schools; as this is seen to be a regular occurrence these days.
Young mentioned that on Saturday they would be having the Miss Buff Bay High Competition and encouraged all to come out and support this venture.
Headlining the event, Black-er was his usual comical self, inviting the teachers to "take of their shoes," in one of his songs. He also encouraged students to study hard so they "don't pop down".
The Inseason drinking contest closed off another wonderful the afternoon event.
