Nov. 14, 2007 — With the energy and excitement off and on stage at Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School for Tempo's Badness Outta Style school campaign Wednesday, the V.I. Water and Power Authority could have lit up half of St. Croix for free.
"Hush, hush, hush," said Frederick Morton, founder of Tempo, to get the children to quiet down Wednesday morning.
"You are our future, you are very important," he told them. Morton, as master of ceremonies, said the children could be anything they wanted to be if they just worked hard and stayed in school.
He asked if any of them wanted to be musicians or video jockeys. A roar went through the room and hands flew up. With that Morton introduced Tempo VJ Jahbami, who sang, "A Man is Just a Man." The message in his song was to give thanks for life. Jeanille, another VJ from Tempo, was also included in the program.
Full of synergy and bouncing across the stage, Morton led the children in singing, "Jesus Loves the Little Children." From the high volume, it sounded as if all the youngsters knew the words. Morton's message to the children was for them to listen to their parents and teachers and do what they were told. It was said simply so kindergartners through sixth graders would understand.
"You must always be good, people love you when you are good," Morton said.
Morton told the children the Caribbean was one family, and introduced reggae star Mr. King from Trinidad. Mr. King sang "Borderline," inviting the children to stand and join in singing the chorus: "Badness outta style." Mr. King is Morton’s inspiration for Tempo’s Badness Outta Style campaign. The singer said music is one of the greatest teachers. The program was recorded and will be included in the music video Mr. King is making for "Borderline."
"This is great for kids," said Jesenia Diaz, a teacher. "They need to have this message in their heads at this age."
The campaign was at Elena Christian Jr. High School Tuesday, and a program was staged at Central High School and at a rally at the University of the Virgin Islands Wednesday afternoon.
"We got calls from parents and schools asking us to get the Badness Outta Style program into the schools," said Jennifer Matarangas-King, president and general manager of Innovative Cable.
"The theme alone helps the kids," said Allen Cribbs, physical education teacher. "We need more positive events like this for kids."
The hour-long program ended with drawings for Tempo hats, T-shirts, towels, flags and key chains. Morton presented Andrea Hobson, principal, and Delicia Espinoza, assistant principal, with Tempo tote bags. Math teacher Kenneth Selkrige was commended for the work he does with the students and the publication of his math book.
The Tempo celebrities signed autographs for the children.
"Badness is not for me," said sixth grader Hasane Parrilla as he waited patiently for an autograph. "It is bad to thief."
The students could not get enough of the autographs, and the cafeteria workers had a hard time clearing the room for lunch.
"This gives me a huge sense of pride to have an influence on kids," Morton said. "I have a sense of obligation to them. I am blessed every day to be able to influence them."
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