BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, JANUARY 16TH 2014 (CUOPM) – Village-born Marcia Ineta Jeffers has graduated from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica with a Bachelor of Art in Dance Education (BAE).
The 32-year old national pursued an undergraduate degree at the premier arts college in the English speaking Caribbean.
With much determination and self-discipline, Marcia, successfully completed her four-year degree in three years; excelling above her peers.
On November 16th, 2013 Marcia did not only graduate with a Bachelor of Art in Dance Education (BAE) but achieved it with first class honours.
She also captured the two highest awards in the institution – the 2013 Valedictorian and the Chairman’s Award. In addition, Marcia received the well-coveted Mrs. Barbara Requa Award for the Most Outstanding Student in Dance Education. This dynamic advocate of the arts has made history for her country by becoming the first Kittitian with a degree majoring in dance education.
During her tenure at the College she served as President of DanceWorks – the flagship event of the performing corps of the School of Dance; the Student Council’s Representative for SoD; Committee Member for Hall of Residence; member of the International Campus Christian Fellowship; and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.
She was also a proud athlete of “SHAFT”- the EMC champion sports team. Her voluntary work also extended through Rotary Alumni to the grade six students of Jones Town. She gladly taught them basic dance skills to sensitize them for secondary level. Additionally, Marcia was instrumental in reviving the Worship in Motion Dance Ministry at the Mona Baptist Church.
As Marcia continues to be a lighthouse for the arts in St. Kitts-Nevis, she endeavours to create opportunities for her students, to achieve nothing less than excellence and to overcome obstacles that may arise; in an effort to prepare them for the arts industry regional and internationally.
Marcia currently works at the Basseterre High School teaching Theatre Arts. She has already made purposeful strides by dialoguing with the Ministry of Education to implement the arts as a subject in all schools. She is also in the process of formulating plans to conduct training workshops to equip other dance teachers. Early next year, Marcia hopes to open her own dance academy “Synergy Movements”.
Upon entering the Edna Manley College, Marcia established a personal mantra “Lead by Example”. With this motto in mind and integrity as her guide, she graced the walls of the school touching the lives of every department. Dependable, reliable and always willing are just some positive qualities to describe this simple yet passionate dance educator.
Her wall of support and strength to persevere was fueled by her unfeigned faith in God, encouragement of family and church; and her cherished friendships. Marcia gives God thanks for her mother, Ms. Louisa Jeffers (Lu-Lu); for not only accompanying her to the ceremony; but being her #1 supporter all her life. Special thanks to her friend and visionary, Pastor Lincoln Connor and the entire Antioch Baptist Church; for their prayers and financial assistance. Also to her significant other and Ms Lorna Ava Henry and for their unwavering love and support throughout her journey.
Marcia has led by example and left an indelible mark in the hall of fame of the Edna Manley College and the history of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Communications Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister (CUOPM) congratulates Marcia and her family on this outstanding achievement.