May 12, 2009 – The winner of the Cultural Education Awareness Award at the 2009 Virgin Islands Carnival Children's Parade is the St. Thomas Majorettes, according to a press release from the V.I. Department of Education's Division of Cultural Education.
Glenn 'Kwabena" Davis, cultural education director, said, "According to the panel of judges, the entry met the judging criteria for the award which sought historical/cultural accuracy, historical/cultural relevance and presentation (appearance, performance/poise, creative authenticity, organization and evidence of research). The costumes were great. In their showcase of Virgin Islands culture and history it was quite evident that research was done. The cultural flair to their colorful costumes, which included the local head wraps along with familiar fruits, vegetables and other vegetation, demonstrated that thought was indeed put into coordinating their overall performance. Their dance steps were really creative, natural and seemed very experienced. Their float was also a very good replica of the Sandy Thomas Market Square. On the whole, they were beautiful and entertaining."
The V.I. Cultural Award has been revived after almost 25 years in an effort to encourage and reward accuracy and creativity in the recognition and portrayal of V.I. culture; to inculcate an appreciation of the importance of utilizing historically correct cultural knowledge and creativity by young minds; to promote and celebrate elements of our traditional cultural heritage; and to strengthen our students' sense of authentic V.I. culture.
As the winner, the St. Thomas Majorettes will participate in either the upcoming St. John Festival Parade or the Tortola Festival Parade.
For more information, contact Davis at 774-0100, ext. 8049 or 8050, or Gerard Emanuel on St. Croix at 773-1095, ext. 7115.