High Schools Battle of the Drums featured seven high schools from across Belize as follows:

1. Toledo Community College of Punta Gorda Town
2. Independence High School of Independence Village, Stann Creek District
3. Georgetown Technical High School of Georgetown Village, Stann Creek District
4. Delille Academy of Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District
5. Sadie Vernon High School of Belize City
6. Wesley College of Belize City
7. Ladyville Technical High School of Ladyville Village, Belize District

The event is held under the theme, “Embracing cultural diversity in our oneness as Belizeans”. The objectives are as follows:

1. Allow high school-aged children to compete in a meaningful way while showcasing their talents in the expressive art of Garifuna drumming, singing and dance.
2. Provide a forum for high school-aged youths from different parts of the country to interact with each other while engaging in a positive cultural experience and environment.
3. Generate funds that will be re-invested in the High Schools Battle of the Drums thereby making it self-sustaining.
4. Generate funds that will be used to pursue various Garifuna cultural retrieval projects in the participating high schools.
5. Provide a talent pool for future participating groups for the Adult Battle of the Drums.

The winners of the High Schools Battle of the Drums are as follows:

• 1st Place: Georgetown Technical High School, who won $500.00, 1st Place medals, a pair of Garifuna Drums, and a trophy valued at $800.00.
• 2nd Place- Independence High School $400.00 and 2nd Place medals
• 3rd Place- Delille High School $300.00 and 3rd Place medals
• Other schools obtained consolation prizes of $200.00 each.
• Best Chumba Performance (IHS)Kyla Nunez & Latisha Ramirez (GT)– Tied between Independence High School and Georgetown Technical High School, who won $100.00.
• Best Wanaragua Dancer – Erei Ramos – Independence High School, who won $100.00 each.
• Best Sisira Player – Leon Martinez – Wesley High School, who won $75.00.
• Delille Academy won The Best Gayusa award of $150.00.

All schools were supported in preparing for and participating in the event by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology and the Battle of the Drums Secretariat. The High Schools Battle of the Drums is an activity under the Garifuna drumming, singing, and dance strategic objective of the Battle of the Drums Garifuna Cultural Retrieval and Preservation Initiative.

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