It was more than a typical afternoon for grade seven students of Denham Town High School on Friday, April 8, 2022. This afternoon boasted an unconventional pomp and pageantry for the girls and boys who are smacked in the middle of volatile west Kingston, as their teachers feted them with fine dining on the school compound.

The meeting room was transformed into the dining area for the attendees – students, staff and parents – and organised in an almost classroom-like fashion to facilitate interaction of the guest speaker and master of ceremony.

The red carpet entrance enhanced the anticipation of an evening that promised to be magical. The tables were decorated in white and gold espoused with similarly coloured balloons and a burgundy backdrop.

Guests were treated to a three-course meal and serenaded in between by teacher Chauntelle Simmonds-Christian and Ramone Cox of Duppont Primary.

The guest speaker, Marco Dean Lambie charged the students to step out of their comfort zones under the theme “unmasking your potential, transforming tomorrow’s future”. His presentation was full of verve and youthful effervescence which captivated and maintained the interest of the students.

This auspicious occasion was the brain child of the school’s lower school vice principal, Novette Christian, and executed by grade seven coordinator Romeo Spencer and form teachers.

It was undertaken to help enhance the psychosocial health of students especially with the return of face to face classes and by extension their holistic development.

Spencer, who was left in awe after witnessing the seamless execution of the day’s event, posited that the initiative was a yeoman task for his teachers as they utilised the social curriculum to mold rounded students. This, he noted, will continue to fuel the teachers’ satiety for teaching.

Justin Duncan, the school’s education officer, meanwhile gave credit to the grade coordinator and form teachers for a stellar display of their continuous efforts to scaffold young impressionable minds. He encouraged other grades to follow suit and expressed hope that the students will take their positive attitude across other grades.

He also recognised sponsors MegaMart, Jamaica Broilers, CB chicken, Rainforest Seafood and Caribbean Cream/Kremi for helping to make the even a success.

The evening came to a crescendo with an award ceremony for teachers and students.

Some students were awarded for their outstanding performance in academics while others were recognised for improvements in literacy. The teachers were recognised for their invaluable contributions in all facets of the students’ academic and social improvements.