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April 17, 2008
KLAS/Inseason school toured paid a visit to STATHS
It's Founders Day at the St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) a time-honoured institution located in the heart of Kingston's inner city.
STATHS is celebrating 47 years of sterling contribution to the education of the nation's children. In their addresses, both the head mistress and the head girl pointed out that, despite their location, St. Andrew Technical is one of the best high schools in Jamaica.
It was against this background that the KLAS/ InSeason outside broadcast got underway. When the setting up was complete, DJ Kat totally transformed the school with his juggling. The students rushed out of their seats to display the latest dance moves and showed much enthusiasm for Movado's On the Rock. To Tony Young's request that a student come on stage and sing the song, a female student eagerly went up and gave a performance of which Mavado himself would have been proud.
Cooling down the excitement, Tony Young invited the principal on stage. When asked what she would tell Jamaica about STATHS she replied, "This school is among the best in Jamaica, with excellent students who, when they leave this institution, are prepared to face the world."
Expressing similar views about her school was the head girl, who noted that STATHS was "truly one of the best schools in the island, despite being located in the inner city".
The school community was blessed to have DJ Nicholas as the first guest to grace the stage. This Reggae Gospel artiste, whose songs are quite popular with the teens, had them singing and dancing. Gallimore, another popular reggae gospel artiste, was next on stage and he, too,delivered well.
Tony Young then brought out Tashina McKenzie a past student of STATHS and a finalist in the Digicel Rising Stars competition. Her former school mates warmly embraced her and she in turn was energized and made a lasting impression.
Tony Young took the opportunity to remind the 'schoolers' that the purpose of the tour was to encourage them to "STAY IN SCHOOL". He asked each person to say to the person sitting beside them: "STAY IN SCHOOL".
The next artiste to perform was Renegade, who did two original tracks addressing the social issues citizens are facing in Jamaica. Alibra, a new female artiste, delivered some powerful words of encouragement to the girls. Be independent; never dependent on men, was the theme of her song.
Phil Watkins, a singer who is definitely one to watch, was the next entertainer to perform. Perhaps better known for his combination single with Dez-I "Shake up yuh Natty", he delivered his two original pieces well.
The words, Mi Board House Bun Dung, alerted the students that Nesbeth was in the building. He delivered this popular hit, along with a new track called "Guns Out This Morning". Before exiting the stage, he gave them a preview of a song he had recorded with R&B superstar Akon.
Tony Young then brought on Bridges who interacted well with the students, in particular the males.
It was now time for the In Season drinking competition. Four students entered willingly.
STATHS also experienced a little calypso from Miss Trini a singer from Trinidad. She challenged a student in a wining contest who declared that this was an easy task for her. Next it was time for Dugsy Ranks who is known for his popular hit "When Wifey Come Out". He is one of the faithful performers of the stay-in-school
tour. The Ring Ding Ding artiste Baby Chris then joined him on stage and did an energetic performance. In an exciting twist, which was highly appreciated by the student body, before leaving the stage they asked a teacher to show off her dance moves. In the true spirit of the occasion, she went willingly and really delivered.
DJ Kat closed the show with more juggling, hyping up the place with selections from Mavado, Beenie Man and others.