Aptly named "The Atlanta Challenge", the programme is open to students in grades ten and eleven and aims to expose the successful candidate to cultural and other activities geared to inspire. The School has already publicised this opportunity and two SHPSA executive members will sit on the panel of selectors.

Acting Principal, Daphnie Morrison, and school Chaplain, Nicola Elliott, said that they were happy that grade nine was present, as it included the students that have serious disciplinary problems. They believe that the performance made an impact by proving to the girls that it is possible for them to completely enjoy themselves without being lewd or disruptive.

Ms. Myrie was introduced as someone who has committed herself to excellence in her chosen profession. A trained singer with 20 years in the business, she plays three musical instruments and has a successful career that includes leading a show band as well as cabaret and studio work.

Backed by past student and cultural programme co-ordinator, Joy Simons-Brown, Ms. Myrie's 20 minute performance began with sacred staples such as "You'll Never Walk Alone" and ended with the current pop chart topper “Falling” by Alicia Keyes.

The attentive silence during the first two selections indicated that although the girls did not know the songs, they were a captive audience. Some, however, demonstrated their enjoyment with a lack of poise. One grade niner who seemed not to know what to do with herself, put her hands on her head and twisted from left to right with her eyes half closed - until Miss Morrison walked past and she jerkily regained some composure.

The third gospel song was a contemporary one, and the students joined in the chorus at Ms. Myrie's invitation. They knew the final song by heart and filled in the background singing. When the students' voices automatically split in a harmonic round it revealed that the gymnasium has incredible acoustics.

Sonia, on behalf of the Association, presented Mrs. Landale with a fruit basket.

Rita chose a loose-fitting blue and white patterned dress and black shoes for her party. Her silver hair was styled away from her face, and red lipstick added a touch of colour. Although she had suffered recent hip damage, Rita was comfortable sitting upright, sometimes with crossed knees, throughout her two-and-a-half hour party. With assistance, she stood and cut her birthday cake and remained standing for the singing of “Happy Birthday”.

Known as the grandmother of the community, she was honoured as a person who had served Acadia Circle as President of the citizens' association for many years.

She said that she was thrilled that so many people still remembered her. ¥

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Progress was slow and difficult at first. This was in part due to certain values and perceptions they had internalised, and pressure from friends and relatives. Also, as mentors we were new to them.  However, we worked with the guidance counsellors in the familiar school setting.

Each girl's problem was different, and each girl's approach to dealing with it was also different. Some were willing to speak up and have us listen to their experiences.  The one positive, common characteristic that each girl spoke of was her wish to get out of the black and white and blend once again with her friends and classmates.

Having identified this as a key motivational factor, our role became one of guiding the girls in how they would be able to achieve this. We feel that with more time and more mentors, the girls will continue to make progress and see themselves in blue, white and gold. We have hope.

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