(Left) Latoya, ready for school and ready to take on the world.
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(Right) Even at the age of 10 Latoya shows she has star quality. - Contributed
THE DREAM of one day being famous, of being a star, is often one that comes very early in life. This holds true for Latoya Sinclair, an 11-year-old who says that her lifelong ambition is "to become a good star, to be famous." She says this with a brilliant, but somewhat shy smile, which comes out quite regularly.
Latoya is a 6th grade student at Holy Family Primary in St. Andrew, who seems to have her heart set on stardom and also seems to be well on the road to it. One of Latoya's favourite activities is dancing. She explains: "I always watched children dancing and one day the dance teacher just called me." Since then, she has entered the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Festival Competition with her school, winning a bronze medal for her efforts.
Not only does Latoya dance, but she also sings and plays the recorder. Additionally, as she is quick to point out, Latoya doesn't suffer from a particular malady. "When I'm on stage I don't feel frightened," she says with confidence.
MULTI-TALENTED
Latoya recognises that her craft takes a lot of hard work. She points out that while she finds dancing fun, one needs a lot of energy to keep up. Fortunately for her, she is naturally energetic. This is not surprising, as in addition to her singing and dancing, Latoya also plays netball and football and is on the school team for both sports. She proudly displays the team medals which she has for these sports, pointing out that all the members of the teams received one. The medals she displayed showed that Holy Family had been awarded the third place in the Multicare Football competition for 2001 and earned the title of netball champions in the Multicare Netball competition, also in 2001.
For some, these would be enough activities. However, Latoya eagerly admitted that she is also engaged in art and craft, as well as computer studies.
The persons on whom she would like to pattern her career are Alicia Keys and Michael Jackson. While she is unable to explain why she likes Alicia Keys, she readily gives three reasons for her admiration of the 'Gloved Wonder'. Her reasons are simple; Michael Jackson is black, cute and able to sing and dance. The final trait is especially important to her, as she would like to incorporate both in her career as either an actress or singer.
Latoya has also had some experience in acting, as she played Mary in Holy Family's Christmas play last year.
Importantly, Latoya's interests go beyond her interests in sports, drama and music. She seems genuinely impressed with her school and teachers. Latoya describes her school as a beautiful place with trees and plants and a courtyard in which to play. Although she names only three teachers Ms. Pusey, Ms. Walker and Ms. Hibbert she admires all teachers. "They help children a lot. If someone is without lunch money, they'll lend them the money and if you don't understand what they're doing, they'll do it over," she said.
Additionally, superstars and teachers are not the only persons she admires. She seems to find inspiration right at home. The first note of inspiration is her older brother, a member of To Isis. She also admires her best friend Zoya Mitchell. "She is my friend," she says with a smile, "and she can do her work."
Eyes on the stars or not, Latoya seems to be truly aware of the value of friendship and family.
