The annual school children’s rally is a staple of the September
celebrations. Every year without fail – hundreds of primary school students
converge on the City Center for a celebration like no other. Today however there
was a break with tradition as instead of the confines of the City Center –
the rally was held in the open air at the Memorial Park. 7News was there and
here are some of the highlights.
Keith Swift Reporting,
Hundreds of primary school students flooded the Memorial Park for a morning
of music, poetry, dance, and of course patriotism.
Hon. Patrick Faber: “Let me see the flags, let me
see the flags…1, 2, 3 – Happy birthday Belize.”
But in his address to the students, Education Minister Patrick Faber said there
is more to patriotism than just raising a flag.
Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education
“Know your roots, know about your own background and share your pride
in with others. Share your customs, invite friends of other backgrounds to share
and experience your own traditions. Say something, speak out against jokes that
target certain groups, silence implies agreement. Explore, plan family outings
to different neighbourhoods in our community and visit local museums and exhibits
that celebrate different art forms and cultures of our nation. Expose our children
to diverse places and people.”
This year’s children’s rally was extended into an all day expo
at the Memorial Park.
Leroy Green, Coordinator
“The Ministry thought this would be a way to get more children involved
rather than just when the few who are able to go to the City Center and it has
proven successful in that extent as this morning we had the park literally filled
with students.
Right now we are having cultural performances which will be followed by
a children’s talent parade and we have also different displays out here;
YWCA, NICH, the National Library Service, and Angelus Press also has things
out here that are child oriented displays.”
Tyrone Nunez Won High School Star Search
And as part of this morning’s official ceremony at the Memorial
Park – the winner of the high school star search received his award from 
Education Minister Patrick Faber. The winner is 17 year old Tyrone Nunez, a
third form student at Sadie Vernon High School. Nunez is a high school student
at day but a master of the floor with the moves of Michael Jackson at night.
He described the feeling about his win in one word.
Tyrone Nunez, Star Search Winner
“I feel elated.”
Keith Swift,
“How long have you been dancing?”
Tyrone Nunez,
“Two years.”
Keith Swift,
“Is it natural talent or something you worked on a lot?”
Tyrone Nunez,
“It is something I do everyday, I practice everyday because it improves
your skills and makes you get better and the more practice, you see improve;
better improvement.”
Keith Swift,
“I see you doing a lot of Michael Jackson moves, did he inspire you?”
Tyrone Nunez,
“Yeah Michael Jackson was an inspiration for me.”
Keith Swift,
“So you’re holding the trophy in your hand, what does it mean to
you?”
Tyrone Nunez,
“It feels overwhelming.”
Keith Swift,
“So why did you choose dance over sports?”
Tyrone Nunez,
“Because I guess it is from the whole background and people who did
it inspire me to want to dance.”
The star search was held on Wednesday.
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