President Jeffey Bostic was greeted with music, ceremony and warm applause when he visited St Leonard’s Boys’ School on Thursday, commending students for their talent and reaffirming his confidence in the nation’s youth.
The stop formed part of the President’s island-wide school tour, a commitment he made in his inaugural address to engage with students across Barbados.
President Bostic praised the excellence on display from the students. “Those two performances were moving, touching, and they encouraged and motivated me to reinforce my belief that those young people in Barbados who have gone astray are the few and that the majority of our young people are productive.”
St Leonard’s Boys’ has long been a cradle of artistic excellence, producing icons such as Gabby, Grynner, Hypasounds, the late Richard Stoute and renowned drummer Renaldo Griffith. The President acknowledged this legacy, saying: “This school has done well. It has excelled in technical and vocational disciplines and, naturally, in music, with all the prominent musicians in this country that attended this school.”
He also commended the institution’s sporting achievements. “The school has done well in sports; I know the football team continues to do well. Some of the best tennis players in Barbados came from this school. Don’t tell me that St Leonard’s Boys’ is not an excellent school.“
The President invited students to reflect on personal growth and purpose, asking: “What is in your life’s blueprint?“ and “Do you have a blueprint for your life?“
He continued: “Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that your life has worth. Always feel that your life has ultimate significance.“
Peter Cox, principal of St Leonard’s Boys’, welcomed those attending in both English and Spanish, highlighting the rise of the President from humble beginnings to army commander at Paragon base and finally to the country’s highest office.
Referring to President Bostic’s record, Cox said: “He has set a fine example for the youth of Barbados to follow. Students, I encourage you to learn as much as you can about our President and follow his example.”
Referring to the Chapman Challenge, Cox added: “Persons like myself and every adult in this room can facilitate such a challenge. It is known in Barbados the challenges our youth experience are well known…. And I say to you youth, take this mantra to heart: No retreat, no surrender.”
Performances by the school steel ensemble known as De Boyz and saxophonist Romario Herbert-White, who rendered Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You, were showcased for the President. In a combined effort, the Steel Orchestra, Concert Band, Pop Band and the St Leonard’s Boys’ School Choir, joined by Richard Stoute Teen Talent finalist Joshua Osbourne, performed Mark Lorde’s I Hear a Love Song, earning loud cheers from the audience.
During a question-and-answer segment, students asked the President how he felt to be head of state and whether a Spanish language programme could be introduced at the school.
Before leaving, President Bostic personally thanked fifth-former Corporal Jahzareo Bourne for his role as master of ceremonies for the event.
The post President hails student excellence at St Leonard’s Boys’ School appeared first on Barbados Today.
