National Junior Parang*

The National Junior Parang festival was held last weekend (November 18–19) at the Valsayn Campus of the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Catholic schools in both the primary school and secondary school categories placed in the top three.

Thirty-one primary schools competed on the Saturday with Sacred Heart Girls’ RC emerging the winners with 88 points, and also taking away the prize for Best Dressed Group. Their brother school, Sacred Heart Boys’ RC were a close second with their lead singer, Liam Gooding voted Best Male Lead. Third place went to another Catholic school, Cunapo (St Francis) RC, Sangre Grande which also won the prize for Best Female Lead for singer Akayla De-Mattas. Best Stage Performance went to fourth-placed Newtown Boys’ RC.

Other Catholic primary schools awarded in special categories were: eighth-placed Carapichaima RC, Best Toc Toc (Don Isaiah Francois); Aripo RC (18), Best Box Bass and Best Musical Presentation; La Seiva RC (21), Best Cuatro; and St Joseph’s Boys’ RC (23), Best Guitar, Luke Akabar.

In the secondary schools’ category, St Joseph’s Convent, St Joseph topped the 14 schools that participated. With 170 points, SJC St Joseph also won Best Musical Presentation. Second-placed Tableland Secondary won Best Male Lead and Best Cuatro (Alonzo Green) and Best Toc Toc (Jenelle Ross). St Mary’s College, third, was awarded Best Guitar.

In the 14 schools which participated in the seniors, also awarded were: St Charles’ High School (8), Best Box Bass, tying in this category with Holy Faith Convent, Penal (11); and Holy Name Convent (13), Best Dressed Group.