Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ group awards students in essay, poetry contests

The Brooklyn-based Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association presented awards to 10 students who participated in the group’s essay and poetry-writing contests on Saturday, Sept. 14, as part of Grenada’s 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. 

The award ceremony, which took place at the Nutmeg House on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, was held under the auspices of Grenada New York Consul General Raphael M. Brizan.

Justin McIntosh received the award, flanked by Cecily Mason, left; Mickalia Forrester-Ewen, Miss Grenada USA; and Consul General Raphael M. Brizan. Photo by Nelson A. King

Mickalia Forrester, Miss Grenada USA, presented the awards to the students.

Josiah Henry displays his trophy and certificate, flanked by Cecily Mason, Mickalia Forrester-Ewen, left, and Consul General Raphael M. Brizan. Photo by Nelson A. King

Recipients of awards for the Essay Contest were Shamar James Anderson, 17, Archer High School, Lawrenceville, GA; Justin C. McIntosh,16, School for Classes High School, Brooklyn; Josiah Henry, 15, Brooklyn College Academy; Elliya Young, 15, St. Joseph’s Convent, St. George’s, Grenada; and Jaelen Padilla, 17, Cristo Rey High School.

Jamel Garrett reads a poem.Photo by Nelson A. King

Students who received awards for poetry were: Jamel Tyler Garrett, 12, Lennox Academy; Jelani Francique, 12, Junior High, Brooklyn; Jaeden Padilla, 12, I.S. 68 Bildersee; Kurleen Need, 12, The Anglican High School, St. George’s, Grenada; and Chyenne Forrester, 13, Turtle Neck Middle School, Uniondale, NY.

Chyenne Forrester displays award, flanked Cecily Mason, left, president of the Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association; Mickalia Forrester-Ewen, Miss Grenada USA, back; and Consul General Raphael M. Brizan. Photo by Nelson A. King

Most Grenadian students residing in New York were present to receive their awards.

Cecily Mason, president of the Grenadian-American Ex-Teachers’ Association, told Caribbean Life that it was the first time the students were “given an opportunity to learn about their ancestry and what independence means to their island nation.”

She commended the students for their “incredible skills and commitment,” stating they were “positive signals to the amazing journey ahead.”

Mason said the contests were the “brainchild” of members, “citing the idea that all celebrations of independence are primarily dances, calypso competitions, or other forms of revelry, where the youth are always left out.

“This milestone, we decided to change,” she said. “We got the youth involved, and the results were overwhelming.”

Crystal McQueen-Taylor, the Grenadian-American executive director of StudentsFirstNY, addresses the ceremony. Photo by Nelson A. King

Crystal McQueen-Taylor, the Grenadian-American executive director of StudentsFirstNY, an education reform advocacy group that works with parents and schools to fight for student-centered policies, addressed the ceremony. She thanked Mason, whom she had known since she was a child, for “always keeping the culture alive for our young people.

“The Association does amazing work to connect young people to the soil and the culture of Grenada,” she said. “That’s why it was my pleasure when she asked me to help celebrate Grenada’s 50th Independence Day by judging the poetry contest. It brought me back to my professional origin as a teacher. I became a teacher right out of college, and I am a lifelong educator.

“It was such a joy and privilege to see our young people revere and celebrate their Grenadian heritage,” McQueen-Taylor added. “I’m excited for us to celebrate the students who participated in the poetry and essay contest, which is a testament to the strong education that they have received thus far.”

Brizan also complimented Mason and the Association for organizing the contests and lauded the students and their parents “so they can carry out the process.”

“We need the youth to continue this process,” he said. “In addition, take them back home. Let them know the mango, the damsel, the guava. Each and every one of you is an ambassador. You are part of who sells Grenada.”