By Claudine Housen, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
MORE THAN 500 students from throughout western Jamaica turned out yesterday for the Gleaner's Youhtlink Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Seminar at the Montego Bay Civic Centre, Sam Sharpe Square, St. James.
"We are very heartened by the turnout," said Karin Cooper, the Gleaner Company's corporate affairs manager. "It shows that there is a need for this type of seminar in the west."
A shortage of seats at the seminar led to some students having to sit on the floor, but Ms. Cooper explained that it was caused by the fact that most of the schools had not pre-registered as was required.
"We had maybe 200 people who had pre-registered up to Friday night," she said. "We planned for 200 people with consecutive lectures. But although 200 people registered, we weren't sure that we would get that number."
From as early as 10 a.m., it was obvious that the idea had caught on in a big way among western schools as there were students from as far away as St. Ann (St. Hilda's) and the hills of Trelawny (Albert Town High), lining up to get into the Civic Centre.
STUDENTS THRILLED
An hour later it was standing room only as students flanked both sides of the room, occupying every available chair.
Later, the students had nothing but praise for the seminar.
"It was great," said Shantal Thomas of Cedric Titus High. "My favourite subject (accounts) was just discussed by Ms. Margaret (a teacher) and some of the concepts that I always fall down in, she helped me to build upon."
Students were not the only ones in attendance, as adults and persons taking evening classes were out in their numbers as well. They too had good things to say about the seminar.
"The first presentation (English) was excellent," said Denise Bernard. "I think the venture was very good. The Gleaner could do it more often because sometimes it is not the class setting that motivates us. Having things a second time and in settings like these, really helps."
Expressing amazement at the turnout, a presenter, English teacher Mrs. Doris Mayne, hailed the seminar as a success and hinted that she would be available for "a repeat performance in the future if there is one."
