Spirits were high last Friday at the Newmarket Zone Annual Mini Heritage Fest, which was held at the Lewisville High School in St. Elizabeth, as hundreds of residents turned out to celebrate the life and work of the country's National Heroes, Heroine, and cultural icons.

Hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the main feature of the fest were dramatic presentations by students of the school.

Worked hard

These consisted of a combination of speech, song and dance, including the work of cultural icons Louise 'Miss Lou' Bennett-Coverley, and Bob Marley.

Cultural organiser of the Lewisville High School and a member of the JCDC's parish committee, Tenesha Forbes, said this was the institution's way of getting the whole community involved in the celebration of National Heritage Week and National Heroes Day.

"I am satisfied in terms of the quality of our students' efforts. They worked very hard and seem to be pleased with what they have done and I am pleased, too," she said.

Rewarding seniors

Meanwhile, two senior citizens were awarded by the community for their years of service in the areas of education and agriculture.

Leanna Smith, a retired principal of the Fraser All-Age School in St. Elizabeth, was awarded for more than 30 years of service in the teaching profession.

Lance Walker was congratulated for his work in the agricultural sector as chairman of the Jamaica Agricultural Society, St. Elizabeth branch, and the Citrus Growers Association for about 50 years.