CHILD MORTALITY PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS

Last Saturday afternoon, our community came out to support the Child Mortality Prevention Essay Presentations given by 3rd graders at the Lockhart Elementary School.

Secretary Lorraine Baa chaired the event and Rotarian Toya Andrews, who was not feeling too well, co-chaired. I saw several Rotarians there including DGN Diana White, AG Don Chandler, PP Ash Newton, PE Simon Caines, PP Cheryl George-Chance and President Berisford Lynch.

The kids each held their heads high as they approached the podium to present their essays on the prevention of child mortality. At the end of the presentations, Secretary Lorraine and President Beris called each child to receive first a trophy and then a medal. For most of the kids this was their very first trophy and medal ever received. The show was so well organized that AG Don commented that it was one of the best Child Mortality projects he had ever witnessed. Parents, teachers, and community leaders erupted in thunderous applause at the end of the show. Assistant Commissioner of Health Julia Sheen, presented award certificates on behalf of Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen who had hoped to attend the event with her 3rd grader granddaughter. Senators Shawn-Michael Malone and Wayne James also attended. Senator James, who came all the way from St. Croix to support the students, shared that at a very young age he lost a friend, age 3, who drowned in an uncovered cistern. He looked at the 3rd graders and told them he could remember being in the 3rd grade and he knew they were on the right path to becoming successful adults.

Several floral and gift basket presentations were made to Secretary Lorraine Baa who worked endlessly with the kids, parents and Lockhart School faculty including Ms. Merle Vanterpool, the school's librarian, to realize the child mortality project.  Thanks to VIP Awards & Engraving for their uniquely designed trophies and medals that were presented to the kids. Thanks to Radio One who broadcasted the event live and to PP Ash Newton and PE Simon Caines who videotaped and photographed the event.

Child Mortality Project Chair Lorraine emceed the event 


Each student received a trophy