Stepping high, shining and strutting to the beat of Jam Band '99 was the scene on May 22, 1999. The Children's Parade was held at the Arts Exchange in Atlanta from 1 to 4 p.m. The Virgin Islands Majorettes led the parade. They wore white T shirts with the words, "Virgin Islands Majorettes" in gold letters, and a green palm tree in the center of the shirt, white socks and white sneakers.
We were awarded two trophies.
May 29 was the big parade day. We won first prize for the "Best Coordinated Troupe." This would not have been possible without the help and support of the following: The trainers, Yamilsa Aubain and Carole Benjamin. The parents, grandparents, aunts, and grandfathers: Charlene Springette, Frenchlyn Oglesby, Pat Testamark, Yvonne Harrigan-Shepard, LaVerne Harrigan, Judith Wiggins, Maddie & Orisa Abraham, Janis Phillips, Allan Gumbs, Crystal Browne, Angela Griffin, Monique David, Yvonne David, Nina Benjamin, Elvin David, Michael Hampton and Ida King.
Very special thanks to Shawn Dickerson for the use of his wrecker and for being there with us from the beginning to the end. Included in that special thanks, is Randolph Lance for helping to construct the railings on the wrecker.
Thank you to our staff nurse, Angie DeWindt- Smith who was present in case her medical assistance was needed
Kudos to Ms. Alicia Gustav of the Atlanta – U.S.V.I. Dept. of Tourism for the sponsorship.
One hundred yellow roses, (which are her favorite) to the Director, the person who put this magnificent group together, Marilyn David.
Of course without these strutting, cheerful girls we would not have had majorettes. Thank you to the girls. They are: Brianna Browne, Qwadeja, Chelsea Griffin, Senequa Daley, Nia Testamark, Celsetina Phillips, Chyla King, Tiffany Oglesby, Chanel Dawson, La Quita Ifill, Ronnyshia Benjamin, Senae Hobson, Shaneka Pickering and the Captain, Jameka Benjamin. They wore royal blue and white dresses trimmed with gold sequins.
Blue and gold pom poms on their white leather sneakers.
The blue represents the blue skies and the blue water of the Caribbean. The gold represents the golden sun that shines almost 365 days a year. The white is for the white sandy beaches.
Flags raised high to the Flag girls for the great job of twirling and spinning the flags for the cheering crowd. They are: Jennelle Weste, Chichi and Diane Warner. The girls were dressed in gold lame, white and gold sequined dresses with criss-crossed straps. They twirled Virgin Islands flags.
Future plans for the Majorettes and Flag Girls are, to participate in the July 4th parade in downtown Atlanta. In October they will then travel to Miami for the Columbus Day Weekend Caribbean Festival.
Editors' note: This article was submitted by Marilyn David of Virgin Islands Association of Atlanta TRADEWINDS Newsletter.
