Jamaica Gleaner

Youthlink/Honey Bun Tour Spanish Town High School

- Rushaine Clarke YOUTHLINK WRITER YOUTHLINK/HONEY

THE Bun High Achievers School tour made its way to the corner of Young and Ellis streets in St Catherine in search of Spanish Town High School. Upon arrival, the students and teachers were in the middle of a session, but when they saw the Honey Bun vehicle and Youthlink team, eyes gazed in curiosity and whispers began around the compound.

Popular media personalit­y Cornelious Grant grabbed the mic and announced the presence of both companies, and when the high-tempo music and vibrant moves from the Honey Bun dancers began, within minutes, scores of students and teachers converged on the scene in anticipati­on of an eventful day. Cornelius was a brilliant MC, to say the least. His gimmicks and animated style not only got the students riled up in excitement, but also the teachers, auxiliary staff, and members of the Youthlink and Honey Bun teams, who could not help but laugh at his every word.

“This endeavour has been very entertaini­ng for the students and staff. The reactions we have received at Spanish Town High make me feel very welcome, so this initiative has been very successful,” said Honey Bun Regional Manager Phillip Moses.

The day’s proceeding­s featured a dance competitio­n in which students displayed sensationa­l moves to songs from artistes such as Vybz Kartel and Stylo G. Next up was modelling, when students had to model with their Youthlink magazine, followed by a dramatic competitio­n of strength, with male students engaged in a decisive push-up competitio­n.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement and the day filled with hilarious activities. From the Honey Bun dancers showcasing their moves, to the teachers and auxiliary staff rushing towards the Youthlink booth to purchase a copy of the magazine so they could get their hands on a tasty doughnut, coconut roll, raisin bread, cheese breed and a thirst-quenching Squeezz from Wisynco, everything was well received.

“I like the Honey Bun Cinnamon Roll. It was delicious and I never tasted anything like it

before. I was very excited when it was announced that Stylo G was coming to my school. His performanc­e was great and I was happy to see him in real life,” said first-form student Brittania Gray.

Though the students were limited to the area and corridors surroundin­g their classrooms, they were tuned in and responsive to all that was happening. They screamed with joy as they listened to and watched their schoolmate­s being summoned onstage to be given their ‘high achievers’ badge of honour for being selected as the 10 exceptiona­l academic performers.

Kamala Brown was announced as the most outstandin­g achiever and granted $10,000 from Honey Bun for defying more unfortunat­e personal disadvanta­ges, yet maintainin­g a high standard of excellence among her peers. She smiled warmly as she posed for the Youthlink camera, feeling proud of herself and achievemen­ts.

“I’m very happy for being granted $10,000 from Honey Bun. It can help towards my school expenses,” she said.

When Cornelius announced that dancehall artiste Stylo G was making his way to perform for the students, this ignited a frenzy of screams and excitement. He was electrifyi­ng, rocking the school grounds with Touch Down and Dumplin. Happy to see one of their favourite and most trending

artistes, the students were more than happy to share the moment and sing along with him.

“This school tour has been a massive success, especially with the fact that we are promoting reading in schools, and we want students to associate reading with fun and interactio­n,” said Youthlink coordinato­r Kareem LaTouche. “As such, we have brought together an entertainm­ent package to complement the reading aspect of the programme – so students can get their CSEC study guides and they can read some of their favourite sections. They can also know that Youthlink is something that is fun,” he added.

The tour is scheduled to run from October 23 until the end of February 2020, and is sponsored by Squeezz and Sparkling

CranWATA.

AWARDS

o Top students from 2nd – 5th form (1 male, 1 female)

o Top student from technical area: visual arts/building/engineerin­g technology (this student will be given an opportunit­y to get his/her work published in Youthlink)

o One outstandin­g student from the sixth form

PRIZES

o Each student will receive a co-branded high-achiever badge and a package/goodie bag from The Gleaner or Honey Bun.

o One of the 10 students will also walk away with a $10,000 grant (a student who has done well despite a bad situation – challengin­g family situation, etc).

 ??  ?? A highly entertaini­ng performanc­e by dancehall sensation Stylo G.
Emmett Elliott shows some love for Honey Bun.
A highly entertaini­ng performanc­e by dancehall sensation Stylo G. Emmett Elliott shows some love for Honey Bun.
 ??  ?? Teachers Arlene Powell (left) and Lloy Todd get in on all the fun.
Teachers Arlene Powell (left) and Lloy Todd get in on all the fun.
 ??  ?? The modelling competitio­n.
The modelling competitio­n.
 ??  ?? High-achiever Alexis Williams shows off her creativity.
High-achiever Alexis Williams shows off her creativity.
 ??  ?? Member of staff Karen Lewis is a Squeezz enthusiast.
Member of staff Karen Lewis is a Squeezz enthusiast.
 ??  ?? Teacher Mr Hutchinson cools down with a delicious Squeezz drink.
Teacher Mr Hutchinson cools down with a delicious Squeezz drink.
 ??  ?? Ena Stewart enjoying her Squeezz.
Ena Stewart enjoying her Squeezz.
 ??  ?? Dance-off winners Kevin (left) and Wayne.
Dance-off winners Kevin (left) and Wayne.
 ??  ?? Media personalit­y Cornelius Grant reminding the students to purchase a copy of Youthlink.
Media personalit­y Cornelius Grant reminding the students to purchase a copy of Youthlink.
 ??  ?? Senior dancing competitio­n.
Senior dancing competitio­n.
 ??  ?? High achiever and $10,000 grant winner, Kamala Brown.
High achiever and $10,000 grant winner, Kamala Brown.
 ??  ?? Modelling contest winners Quincine Wonder (right) and Dayna Robinson.
Modelling contest winners Quincine Wonder (right) and Dayna Robinson.

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