Montego Bay High is one of the premier institutions for the training of Jamaica's young women. Established in
1935, the school boasts some of the highest percentage passes in the CSEC external examinations.
They not only excel academically, but also seeks to enhance the talents of the their students through participation
in the arts including the JCDC music and speech festivals.
In 2009 alone, they have over 80 entries the music section of the competition making them the largest entrants
so far. Under the leadership of principal Faith Clemmings, they have achieved commendable results in what she calls the development
of the "whole student".
She told TEENage, "We always encourage a culture of excellence among our girls, not just academically but in every
aspect of school life."
TEENage decided to visit this "hidden gem" along the TEENage Expression Tour, where students from schools across
Jamaica showcase their talents and abilities for prizes of phones and bags courtesy of LIME, TEENage Observer gear and a chance
to compete in the competition's final (to be announced soon), where those selected from the various schools form across the
island will compete for top honours.
 Montego Bay High boasted a large cadre of talent ranging from song to dub poetry most of which were original pieces.
The young performers thrilled their classmates with eye-catching dance moves and uplifting song and poetry. There were 20
performances in total; five songs two of which were original, three poetry items and two dance entries including the Montego
Bay High School Dance Troupe.
There was also a rendition of Alicia Key's hit If I Aint Got You performed on the Clarinet by Justine Jones. There
was very good crowd support of the performances and emcee and MoBay High Alumni Cassania Lewis-Jarrett, marketing and communications
officer at Jamaica Observer, kept the crowd entertained with her antics. At one point she even donned her old school uniform
much to the delight of the girls.
The Montego Bay High School band also provided support for the girls who sang or did dub poetry which gave their
performance that extra 'oomph'.
At the end of the performances the crowd had the opportunity to be judges of their peers; having the responsibility
to decide which one of their schoolmates will represent them at the finals.
They made it very difficult for the emcee to figure out who they wanted because of the large support shown for
different performces.
It finally came down to two girls: Tashauna Holmes, who did a dub poem entitled Child Safety and Rushell Malcolm
who danced. There seemed to be equal support for both girls until the supporters of Tashauna kicked their cheers up a notch
to make her the winning performer. As the winner she received a phone and credit from LIME and the second and third-place
performers received TEENage gear, credit, and school supplies.
Reigning Digicel Rising Stars winner Cameal Davis made the journey down to the second city and thrilled the students.
Principal Clemmings said she appreciated the effort that the TEENage Expression Tour was making giving "young
people a chance to take part in healthy, clean fun, that's commendable".
Stay tuned when TEENage stops at another school to give TEENs their chance to 'Express Yu Self'.
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