Charting a course toward future careers, 12 sixth-form students from Excelsior High, Wolmer’s Boys’, and The Convent of Mercy (Alpha) Academy and their teachers spent Wednesday, November 11, discovering the vast possibilities of the maritime world at Port Royal’s Historic Naval Dockyard for day three of the Jamaica Observer’s Applaud
It!
series, hosted by The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ).

The students also enjoyed a practical fine dining etiquette masterclass featuring a multi-course menu prepared by award-winning Chef Jacqui Tyson.

Following an engaging tour of a pilot boat, The Port Authority of Jamaica Superintendent of Pilotage Dr Hortense Ross-Innerarity (right) joined boat crew members Norado Prawl (left) and Michael Bishop (second left) for a photo with students from Excelsior High School, Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha), and Wolmer’s Boys’ School. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

​The morning began with a tour of Fort Charles, a presentation on maritime engineering, and visit to the seawalk and a pilot boat — an itinerary that earned rave reviews from the cohort.

Wolmer’s Boys’ sixth-form student Matthew Lumley expressed particular appreciation for the guided tour of Fort Charles and the insightful overview of PAJ’s inner operations.

Wolmer’s Boys’ lower sixth student Nathaniel Wisdom (left) used the opportunity to discuss career options with The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) President and CEO Professor Gordon Shirley, as PAJ Assistant Vice-President, Marketing and Communications Kim Stiff looked on. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

“Seeing the Giddy House was brilliant, and it really taught us a lot about our history,” Lumley said. “The PAJ presentation was also fantastic, giving us an insider’s look at how vessels are handled behind the scenes, how operations are structured, and their long-term plans.”

Students also tested their architectural skills during a timed challenge where they had to build a house using 3D-printed parts. The Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) emerged first, with Excelsior High claiming second and Wolmer’s Boys’ finishing third.

Excelsior High School sixth-form student Akallia Samuels and The Port Authority of Jamaica Assistant Vice-President, Project Design and Planning Stacey-Ann Dennison-Heron enjoyed their cream of cauliflower soup. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Following the tour, the group assembled inside the terminal building, where an elegantly set table awaited.

​PAJ Assistant Vice-President of Marketing and Communications Kim Stiff welcomed the gathering before introducing PAJ President and CEO Professor Gordon Shirley. Though unable to stay for lunch, Professor Shirley addressed the students on the sector’s expansion and the myriad careers that can help not only to build professional development but also to help Jamaica as a whole.

Excelsior High School upper sixth students Jaheim Jones and Akallia Samuels demonstrated proper teabag etiquette ahead of afternoon tea. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

​“This is an outstanding opportunity to get young people to understand the careers that exist in the maritime sector. It is a sector that has a lot of growth,” Shirley said. “These are truly exceptional roles that empower you to forge a rewarding career while actively contributing to nation-building by developing one of our most critical industries.”

Chef Jacqui Tyson (standing) guided Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) sixth-form student Sahen Grizzelle on the proper technique for cutting her teriyaki chicken skewer. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Urging students to make the most of the mentorship opportunity, Applaud It! conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte shared inspiring remarks ahead of Chef Jacqui Tyson’s walk-through of the multi-course menu, styled as a culinary world tour.

The culinary voyage opened in France with a cream of cauliflower soup, offering students an immediate opportunity to put their table manners into practice. Moving to Asia for the second course, guests enjoyed Teriyaki chicken skewers. Prior to the course, McDonald-Whyte highlighted proper carriage, assisted by Excelsior sixth-former Akallia Samuels and Wolmer’s Boys’ sixth-former Caleb Bryan.

Wolmer’s Boys’ sixth-form student Matthew Lumley displayed perfect table etiquette while buttering his bread ahead of his cream of cauliflower soup starter. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

​A quick stop in California provided a palate cleanser of chilled grapes. As the group prepared for the entrée, McDonald-Whyte emphasised the value of soft skills in professional advancement. The main course transported diners to Italy with shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, where students honed their pasta-eating techniques.

​The expedition then crossed to England for high tea, featuring cherry, strawberry, and apple tarts, as well as mini lemon meringue tarts. The voyage concluded with students cutting a red velvet and vanilla nautical celebratory cake from Sugar Junkie Ja.

….before cutting the cake to mark an afternoon of enriching industry insights and fine dining. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

​Reflecting on the experience, Convent of Mercy (Alpha) Academy Head Girl Kianna Groucher expressed deep appreciation.

​“Chef Tyson and Ms McDonald-Whyte made themselves available to help us become better diners,” Groucher said. “They helped us understand that it isn’t always just your qualifications that get you into a room — it’s the soft skills you carry with you that will set you apart.”

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​The students departed Port Royal not only with a broader understanding of the maritime industry, but with refined interpersonal skills to carry into the future.

Applaud It continues today at National Baking Company with Old Harbour Primary, McAuley Primary and St John’s Primary.