Orchid Smith (right), principal of Victor Dixon High School in Manchester, listens attentively to Deloris Palmer (left), head of the department of business, during class break at the school, recently. Also in the discussion is Evadney Barrett, head of the department of modern languages and social studies. - Photo by Nigel Coke
Victor Dixon High School (formerly West Indies College High) from Mandeville, Manchester, took first and third place in the grade seven-to-nine category of the Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica (ASTJ), Schools and Colleges Public Speaking competition held recently at the Cecil Charlton Hall in Mandeville.
Second place went to Westwood High of Trelawny.
A total of 14 teams from five parishes - St Ann, St Elizabeth, Trelawny, Manchester and Claren-don - competed for top prize.
Each school chose a scientific topic to present. Victor Dixon High winners presented on prostate cancer.
Students motivated
"The entire school body is elated for this win," said Orchid Smith, principal of the school. "We are very happy because it sets a precedent for us as a school. It was the first time we were entering the competition and our students feel proud that they were able to cop the top prize in their category. The entire student body is motivated to enter other competitions. It has also boosted the morale of the school."
This was the first major competition the Adventist-operated school was entering since the start of the school year.
"Representing my school was a real humbling experience," said 12-year-old Melisa Flinch, who is a grade nine student. "It was enjoyable, although most of us were nervous and shaking all the time. We really had fun and were happy for the opportunity to represent our school. I thank all my team members for doing well in what was a challenging competition."
Promoting technology
Flinch was voted best opening presenter for the category. Other members of the victorious team were Olivia Valentine and Rolando Hyman. Members of the school's third-place team are Meleak Stone, Leonie Sommerville and Stephanie Newell.
Founded June 1950, the ASTJ aims to promote scientific literacy and technological awareness among its members, the education sector at all levels, and the wider community, for the social and economic development of the country. It seeks to create and maintain linkages among other national, regional and international groups of similar interests, in order to advance science and technology education.