Claire Cabalero (right) and Teejay Butler of Bushy Park Basic School perform during the Jamaica Broilers luncheon for teachers at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club in St Catherine yesterday. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Although it was in celebration of Teachers' Day, it was the voices of two basic school students that stood out at a function put on for 146 of the nation's educators.

The audience that gathered at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club was quite enthused by Claire Cabalero and Teejay Butler, who performed a poem entitled 'Why teachers were born'.

"They are really good and that's why it is said that 'a child shall lead them'. This is a manifestation of that saying.

"We need all the positive energy in our day-to-day lives and having this here is really special," said Nicole Cuff, a teacher from the Spring Village Primary School in St Catherine.

Her views echoed throughout the building by the many cheering hands that celebrated the occasion.

The function has been sponsored by the Jamaica Broilers Group for the last 15 years, and they have promised to continue what has now become an $800,000 venture.

"We need to get a positive change in Jamaica and, if we reward the teachers, then half the work is done. Moreover, they are doing a wonderful job and they need encouragement," remarked Dr Claudette Cooke, vice-president of Jamaica Broilers.

Principal of the Bodles Basic School, Melita Scott, a 28-year veteran, was the first to be honoured for her services to education.

A number of the recipients told The Gleaner they wished each day was Teachers' Day, and thanked the organisers for their continued support.

Teachers at the function were from schools throughout St Catherine, where the company has its operations.