PORT MARIA, St. Mary:
IT WAS an afternoon of jubilation for students of Mary Mount High School on October 26, when for the first time in five years the school won the St. Mary Credit Union Quiz Trophy.
Tacky Comprehensive High School had successfully defended the trophy for the past four years, and the team from that school went a step further in 1999 to become the national defending champions at the final.
The keenly contested quiz, held in the Board Room of the St. Mary Credit Union, formed part of the parish's Credit Union Month activities. Five high schools Guys Hill, Oracabessa, Tacky, Mary Mount and Islington - vied for the coveted trophy, with Mary Mount High emerging winners with 42 points. They will compete at the national level. Tacky placed second with 30 points.
The two teachers Miss Sharon Reid and Miss Jacqueline Morris who trained the team, were elated at the results, as it was their first stint at training for a quiz competition. Both had high praise for the organisers. They said that working with the students had paid off. The teachers won tickets to spend a weekend at the Couples Hotel.
The school also won prizes of a microwave, two standing fans and calculators for the team. "Most Outstanding Girl" in the competition was team captain of Mary Mount, Sameka Forbes.
Second place winners Tacky received three standing fans for the school, while team members received $400 each. Their teacher received a bedside lamp. Vincent Artherton of Islington High School was adjudged the "Most Outstanding Boy" in the competition.
Board Chairman Rudyard Ellis said students could play a fundamental role in Jamaica's future through avenues such as the quiz competition, noting that much knowledge could be gained from such an endeavour. He urged the students to save with the Credit Union, suggesting that it was beneficial to all members.
