Bishop Anstey High School and Queen’s Royal College showed what a unified approach could achieve last Sunday, after they lifted the 2023 National Parang Association of T&T’s Secondary Schools title.
Singing a rendition of El Salvador Andamos Buscando, the Bishop Anstey/QRC combination took full advantage of the “home” support at the Bishop Anstey High School in Port-of-Spain on the way to becoming the new titleholders.
They were well led by Kaeija Wilson, who showed a good command of the language and vocals in her delivery to earn the team 182 points, five more than second-placed Holy Name Convent (PoS), who offered the crowd Gabriel a Maria.
Nathaniel Weekes (Best Marac) and Ariel Mark (Best Box Bass) also delivered on the acoustic side for the new champs to earn themselves individual awards.
Jalan Maughn meanwhile guided St Mary’s College to third place with 175 points. For his delivery of La Dedicación Pajarillo, Maughn also earned himself the Best Male Vocalist and Best Cuatro awards. Last year’s winners, St Joseph’s Convent (St Joseph), finished fourth with 174 points.
The NPATT was pleased with this year’s turnout of schools for the two days of competition.
The day before the secondary schools final, Morvant Anglican lifted the primary school title.
1. Bishop Anstey PoS & Queen’s Royal College 182 pts
2. Holy Name Convent PoS 177
3. St Mary’s College 175
4. St Joseph’s Convent (St Joseph) 174
5. St Francois Girls’ College 162
6. St Charles High School 155
7. Belmont Secondary School 154
8. Tunapuna Secondary School 151
8. Woodbrook Secondary School 151
10. Providence Girls’ Catholic School 148
11. Trinity College Moka 144
12. La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre
Individual Awards
Best Female Vocalist:
Kaeija Wilson
(Bishop Anstey/QRC)
Best Marac:
Nathaniel Weekes (Bishop Anstey/QRC)
Best Box Bass:
Ariel Mark
(Bishop Anstey/QRC)
Best Male Vocalist:
Jalan Maughn (CIC)
Best Cuatro:
Jalan Maughn (CIC)
Best Stage Presentation: Bishop Anstey/QRC
Best Dressed:
St Joseph’s Convent
(St Joseph)