On Tuesday, October 15th, the Morris Vanterpool Primary School was the grateful recipient of a prized check of EC$3,75.45 which it won as a result of being the first place winner in a recently held balloon street parade hosted by the benevolent company 4KLAHC. All six public primary schools on the island participated in the competitive event.
The prize was presented to the school’s Principal, Ms. Paula Etienne, by young Mr. Kendall Harrigan of 4KLAHC. Mr. Harrigan organized the event, supported by his mother, Avilene Hodge-Carty and his three brothers. The Principal expressed thanks, on behalf of the school, for the generous gesture, and promised that the funds would be committed to good use.
In a statement about their benevolent company—its goals and its programmes — Mr. Harrigan said: “As part of our goal to give back to the country, we have embarked on a fundraiser to rebuild the Morris Vanterpool Primary School Library. We are devoted to the importance of education, and this devotion focuses on reading. We would like to know that every child has access to the proper resources needed in the reading arena.
“We are extremely enthused about this initiative because our grandmother, the deceased Teacher Daisy Richardson, our uncles, Allister and Kent Richardson, our aunt, the deceased Carlene Proctor, and our grandfather, Teacher Kelly Richardson, were all educators.
“Our passion to contribute towards reading has driven my Mom, my brothers and I to raise funds for library projects in a fun-filled manner. On September 27th, the section of public road from Freedom Park to the Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre was transformed into a sea of beauty with a Balloon Parade, the first of its kind in Anguilla. The six public primary schools participated.
“We plan to make this an annual event. The funds realized will go towards the schools in Anguilla to boost their reading programs. This year, the sum of EC$3075.45 was awarded to the Morris Vanterpool Primary School.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, it was not possible to have the Prize-giving Ceremony until October 11th at the Agricultural Grounds. First Prize was won by Morris Vanterpool Primary; 2nd Prize was won by Orealia Kelly Primary; and 3rd Prize went to the Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary. The other participating schools included Adrian T. Hazell Primary, Valley Primary and Vivien Vanterpool Primary.
“Through this medium, we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors of the 4KLAHC Balloon Parade 2019. These sponsors include: Anguilla Masonry Products; the Department of Youth and Culture; Merchants Market; the Anguilla Tourist Board; Dee & J Appliances; S
hop 4 Less, SXM; Classique Carpentry; Poker Run; Mr. Electric; Home Grown Trucking; Anni Villas; Jim’s Exquisite Automotive and Painting and Gumbs Delivery. We also thank all others who donated cash or kind.
“In addition, we would like to thank the Car Clubs, namely: Rebels, Bass Heads, Home Grown, King of the Streets, Quality Sounds, Ski High and DBS.
“Special thanks as well to the Government of Anguilla, the Department of Education, Principals, Teachers, participating students and their parents, Anguilla Air and Seaport Authority, Customs Department Anguilla, Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF), Armour Guard Security, Superior Industrial, IWAS, Lloyd Gumbs, Klass FM, Farm Recording Studio, Ashley Brooks and Sons, HI-TEK Signs and Designs, Chevonne Desuza, Canita Ruan, SO Photography , LIMITLESS SHOTS, event judges and personnel of 4KLAHC Event Planner.
“We would also like to thank the many persons who came out to support our first ever function of this kind. Every effort would be made to make the event better each year in the future, and we look forward for your continued support.”
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
