The Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School celebrated Virgin Islands History Month with several activities all March-long.
On Wednesday, March 27, the school held its 4th Annual” A Taste of Pearl B” in the school’s auditorium at noon. Students sampled local sweets, treats, and cuisine provided by parents and local chefs, such as tarts, Vienna cake, Johnny cake, kallaloo, roast pork, and local drinks. In a visible show of delight, students were seen licking their fingers and lips and even leaned in for multiple samples of each item.
Throughout the month local plants, fruits, desserts and old time items were on display along the main hallway. The display was dedicated in memory of the late Janice Tutein, cultural bearer and former teacher at the school, affectionately known as “Aunty Janice.”
According to Violet H. Connor and Amabel H Compton, “A Taste of Pearl B” started many years ago. Ms. Connor said that during her time at Juanita Gardine Elementary School, she taught a unit on local fruits and vegetables and what they offered as benefits. Eventually, the unit became a school-wide project.
At the time, Ms. Janice Tutein also taught at Gardine, along with Ms. Lisa Magras and they both wholeheartedly embraced the idea, helping make it successful. Connor and Compton then retired, and Tutein and Magras transferred to Pearl B. Larsen Elementary where they continued the cultural activity.
Pearl B. Larsen School has had many guests from the community sharing cultural and historical activities with students, such as making ice cream, Johnny cake and pulling taffy.
“ʽA Taste of Pearl B’ is really a showcase of Crucian foods and drinks that are contributed by parents and staff. The event is an educational, cultural and historical highlight boasting the best of St. Croix. The final week of VI History Month is summed up with the hallway display,” said Assistant Principal Delicia Sealey.
Another highlight of Pearl B’s VI History Month activities was the Quelbe music lesson by none other than Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights. The students learned about the origin of Quelbe and the different instruments that are used in a Quelbe band. They were able to share their desire to play instruments now and in the future.
The rhythm had students grooving, and they formed a conga line around the auditorium. The students danced and laughed as they went around the room.
It was an interactive time between members of the world-renowned Stanley and the Sleepless Knights and the Pearl B. Larsen Students, bridging the generational gap between modern soca and historic Quelbe music.
The administration of Pearl B. Larsen continues to encourage students, faculty, and staff to learn, preserve, and celebrate our heritage and diversity.
