Red Is Strong: Campion Alumni Rallies Around Retired Teacher

There is no disputing the undeniable power of RED. The Campion College alumni continues to prove why they were and continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Valencia B in the Worthington Building, Spanish Court Hotel was lit with red last night for the Campion College Alumni Association's’ inaugural Evening of Excellence.

The event promoted as a musical and culinary experience was  a fundraiser in aid of Ms. Sheila Barrett affectionately called Miss B. Miss B taught at Campion in the departments of History and Economics and also served as Dean of Discipline and Vice Principal and Dean of Studies during her tenure of over 36 years. The aim was to raise funds for her dialysis treatment which she needs as a result of renal failure due to hypertension. The Alumni informed us that the costs can go as high as $82,000 (US$656) per month, which is a huge strain on a pension income.

At 6:30PM past students and parents flooded the venue to a all white room lit red and complimented by modern and classic reggae and pop music. Loud chatter, laughter, kisses on the cheeks, and hearty embraces indicated that this event was also acting as an impromptu school reunion for many of the attendees.

Then Miss B Arrived. Pulling up in her ride, a radiant and lively Miss B surprised many as she rolled in on her wheelchair and engaged everyone in her path in her uniquely gregarious manner.

After a short delay for conversation and drinks, the programme began with Sean Morgan, President of the CCAA, welcoming and thanking everyone for the support.

The musicians rallied through a medley of renditions of classic and contemporary hits such as Don’t Know Why - Norah Jones, My Girl - The Temptations and Roar - Katy Perry among other hits as the crowd enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a jazz bar, except here everyone knows everyone and has a common denominator apart from a love for music and food. Mario Evon and Ruth Browne performed as lead vocals for the night while Nikhil Asnani and Dario Morgan provided the instrumentals via piano and guitar.

Then the food arrived. Jaqcui Tyson brought out tray after tray of tasty bites, which included Island Jerk Chicken, her Signature Mango Glazed Pigstail, Pan Jerk Sausage Medallions, Sweet Chilli Fish Bites, Callaloo Voul-au-vent, Coconut Flambe Shrimp, her Signature Vegetable Pasta and then ended with a sweet taste of her Traditional Bread Pudding with a Caramel Rum Sauce and Peaches and Cream (vanilla mousse with a peach).

These amazing treats were washed down with libations including Hardy’s wine and Stella Artois beer provided by Selected Brands and complementary non-alcoholic beverages courtesy of the Wisynco Group.

The event became a success not just from an entertainment standpoint, but also the fact that it served to help surpass the CCAA fundraising target of $1 million dollars for Ms. B. In her address to the audience, she stated how there was an initial reluctance to come, as she would be so embarrassed to arrive at an empty hall. But these fears were unfounded and she was absolutely blown away by the love and support shown by her former students. She thanked them and made them know that while she is in a wheelchair, it was not because of the dialysis, but as a result of arthritis.

Her students cheered her on and the evening continued with more food, more wine, and more performances to the crowds pleasure. The night proved that RED is indeed strong.