Cornwall College builds suave ‘men of might’ through royal soirée
Published:Wednesday | December 27, 2023 | 12:08 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jordan Forrester, and his date, Nasha Patterson, have been crowned 'Mr Suave and Miss Elegant' during Cornwall College's Royal Soirée after they were deemed to be the most successful in displaying robust synergy among the many distinguished student couples.
Forrester, a fifth-form student of Cornwall College, and Patterson, of The Hampton School, received gift baskets from Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ), two desktop computers, and a day pass for two at the Sea Garden Beach Resort, having outperformed their peers, showing that, individually and collectively, they have a better and greater understanding of social graces, grooming, and how to dress for success, among several other areas of personal development.
Jherron Hylton and his date, Brianna Lindsay of Montego Bay High School, were adjudged the second-place couple, earning themselves a day pass for two at Chukka Adventure Tours, along with two bottles of wine.
Michael Rowe and his date, Taijohnae Henry of Mt Alvernia High School, copped third place pocketing prizes of a dinner for two at Pier One Restaurant and two bottles of wine.
According to Forrester, the personal development programme at his school has enlightened him about the crucial qualities a young man should possess.
“I am now more aware of specific practices, essential for my development as a 'man of might'. The knowledge imparted isn't commonly found elsewhere, making me deeply grateful for the programme,” Forrester told The Gleaner after winning the Mr Suave crown and title at Cornwall College's Royal Soirée, held at Sea Garden Beach Resort recently.
“It's truly an incredible feeling. I attended the soirée not anticipating a win, but to enjoy a wonderful time with my date, showcasing what I've learned in the programme,” Forrester said, pointing out that being declared the winner of the competition left him enraptured.
“It fills me with immense happiness to realise that I've applied my knowledge so effectively that I earned the title of Mr Suave. The night was truly a blend of excellence and success for me,” he added.
This year, the fifth-formers at the Montego Bay-based all-boys school showcased their gentlemanly stature and social graces, establishing healthy relationships with females, dining room etiquette, dressing for success were among the areas in which they compete against each other in their personal development skills learned during the Christmas term.
As is customary, these young men chose their dates from Mt Alvernia High School and Montego Bay High School for the most part; however, this year, they also spread the love to Hampton, St James High School, Herbert Morrison Technical High School, and Rusea's High School.
Clad in suits, the young men from Cornwall College, and their dates in their evening gowns, each had their own flair. They promenaded down the red carpet, from the entrance of the hotel to the elegantly decorated ballroom.
Cornwall College's decision to inculcate these values in the young men who attend the institution through its annual royal soirée has come at a critical point in time and in a world that undervalues acts of etiquette, grooming, social graces, and fine dining.
Personal development
Lecia Allen, vice principal of the school and conceptualiser of the annual Cornwall College Soirée, said the programme started 13 years ago in response to some observations of shortcomings in relation to personal development and social graces among her 11th- graders.
She said the programme was designed to offer these young men something more to effectively prepare them to be 'men of might'.
Allen said the topics and experiences that are embodied in the personal development course and the soirée have not only been fun for the students but have left a lasting positive impact on their outlook.
“Their interactions with females and their overall confidence are all evident in the way they dressed, their table manners and the way they handled themselves and their dates at the soirée,” Allen shared of the transformational programme with The Gleaner.
“I have had parents commenting on their transformation and students who participated in the course from the first year it was introduced still speak of the lasting impact it has had on them,” she said.
While she was not in a position to confirm if any marriages actually took place among students who have participated from any year group, Allen said it has fostered excellent relationships.
“I know of relationships that were formed from some of the blind dates that are still going strong. This, I am particularly proud of because those friendships would have started on the right footing with the male being properly taught and given a solid foundation on which to build a healthy relationship,” the Cornwall College vice principal explained.
Allen said this year's royal soirée was made possible by way of sponsorship from several individuals, including corporate support from Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Chukka Adventure Tours, Pier One, Cornwall College Old Boys Association – New York Chapter, Cornwall College Alumni Association-Canada Chapter, Cornwall College Alumni Association – South Florida Chapter; Cornwall College Old Boys Association – Montego Bay and Kingston Chapters and the Cornwall College Parent-Teacher Association.