Edwin Allen High School played host to the last instalment of the teenAGE Expressions Tour. Students could be seen milling around close by the auditorium, evidently anxious for the beginning of the show. Brenda Weathers, youth marketing officer from the Jamaica Observer and teacher Kerry-Ann Wright-McCarthy were the hosts of the show.

Setting things in motion was Shaniek Boothe with her creative Dance through the Ages. Her well-coordinated moves did exactly what the title suggested — revisiting some of Jamaica’s most popular dances throughout the years. Robotic moves and her prop of a life-sized lollipop surely had the audience screaming in support. The event took its first break, and Theresa Edwards used the opportunity to win a prize for the first trivia question. Conscious talent was indeed present at Edwin Allen, which was demonstrated by Tyrese Smith with his rendition of Chronixx’s Smile Jamaica.

Setting things in motion was Shaniek Boothe with her creative Dance through the Ages. Her well-coordinated moves did exactly what the title suggested — revisiting some of Jamaica’s most popular dances throughout the years. Robotic moves and her prop of a life-sized lollipop surely had the audience screaming in support. The event took its first break, and Theresa Edwards used the opportunity to win a prize for the first trivia question. Conscious talent was indeed present at Edwin Allen, which was demonstrated by Tyrese Smith with his rendition of Chronixx’s Smile Jamaica.

Romaine Simpson’s soulful delivery of Still Searching by Kevin Downswell proved that students had a lot of love for gospel music too, as they all chimed in with his performance. Javian Kiffin followed, delivering his drama piece entitled Head Deacon. Shanakay Blair’s original piece Pure Positivity was not as received as performances before, but this did not deter her committment to deliver. The informative and original AIDS dub poem by Sereika Williams had the audience listening intently in some instances, and roaring in agreement at other times. She proceeded to educate her classmates on AIDS and steps that can be taken to avoid it.

Romain McIntosh soulfully delivered Adele’s One and Only, with his melodic voice and ability to hold high notes, sending his schoolmates in a frenzy. During the transitions between the acts, co-host Wright-McCarthy had the students finishing her statements of “Edwin Allen has…” to which they loudly shouted “talent”. Next on stage was Shamar Daley with They Don’t Know another from Chronixx’s collection. This was well received by his audience.

In the “teacher’s segment” of the Cool Fruit Drink-off, crowd favourite Kedine Geddes, physical education teacher at the school was the winner, proving she indeed was ‘fit for the challenge’. Mummy Stop It, written by Osheen Howe and her teacher Anita Palmer was performed to great effect by the teen, resulting in a resounding applause from the audience. This break also saw Rivaldo Reid coming away with a prize for another trivia question. The “student’s segment” of the Cool Fruit Drink-off followed, and after the initial round no definite winner was determined. Three students moved on to the second round, where there was no denying Javian Kiffin.

YAHMAKAH got the programme back on track with a cultural dance routine, a performance that gained approval from the audience in the form of wild cheers. Fab 3’s dramatic skit titled ‘Shabba Part 2’ had their schoolmates erupting in laughter as they enacted scenes from their skit.

The presentation of gifts to the winners of the challenges and trivia questions was made, and then came the moment all of Edwin Allen seemed to be waiting for — the guest artiste performance. Shane-O took to the stage and received enormous support from his teen fans who were delighted with his performance.

The Expressions Tour was coming to a close and so the judges handed over their final results to the hosts. Sereika Williams proved that she was indeed wise and talented, receiving third place for her performance. Osheen Howe copped second place, and the winners Ultimate Dancers move on to the all-island finals.