Springer creates history

The Springer Memorial School has reached yet another milestone.

On the first day back to classes after being declared the Girls’ Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Champions, the school established the island’s newest company in the Barbados Cadet Corps and Barbados’ first ever all-female company, which has one of the largest enrollments of 50 officers. 

On Monday, during a ceremony at the Government Hill, St Michael school to mark the historic occasion, Minister of Education Kay McConney encouraged other young people to join the ranks as it would enhance their learning experiences and expose them to a wide variety of opportunities.

 “It is an important occasion and part of that significance is that Springer Memorial is again blazing trails in Barbados as champions. This cadet corps’ company #23 is the very first all-female company in the history of Barbados . . . The learning journey of our students is just not about the academics . . . but also it is about the social and emotional learning that comes from having engagements such as the cadet corps and other types of extracurricular activities,” she said. “Cadeting inspires young people to achieve success in life. It inspires young people to conquer their fears and to excel. The comradery among the ranks, it helps to boost confidence, instills discipline, cultivates respect for authority, teamwork and resilience. This is all part of developing the entire student, not just their mind but also their emotional intelligence and all that comes together to create a holistic approach to the way we do education in Barbados.”

McConney added that the programme also teaches important life skills, helps students develop leadership abilities and engenders the spirit of service to country and good citizenry. 

From left, RSS Commodore Errington Shurland, Commandant of the Barbados Cadet Corps Commander David Dowridge and Major David Clarke.

Commander David Dowridge reiterated the need for the Corps to get its numbers up, noting that the establishment of the newest company suggested there was still an interest among the youth to become members.

He said the secondary schools across the island would be key to the corps’ plan to increase membership given the potential to attract cadets from among their rolls. 

Earlier this year, Dowridge announced that the corps would also be seeking to recruit members from various religious organisations.

Principal Mitchelle Maxwell.

On Monday he said the corps was in the process of shaping its policy document to reflect its inclusion efforts, which would then have to be approved by Government. However, he said that he has already seen interest from students from faith-based groups and those who normally would not join, taking an interest in the corps.  

He added that this meant the idea to be a more inclusive national organisation had great potential.

Principal of Springer Memorial Mitchelle Maxwell said this was a proud moment for the school and it signalled the school’s commitment to providing value-added experiences for its students.

The best female cadet Rakeera Pollard accepting her award from Commander David Dowridge.

One of the new cadets, 12-year-old Lisianne Maitland said she wanted to join to make new friends and challenge herself in a new environment. Her membership was proudly supported by her parents 

Paul Maitland and Lisa Bishop.

During the ceremony, the new cadets got the opportunity to put on a parade for those attending the ceremony. (SZB)