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Ja Independence Secondary T-Shirt Competition aims to raise money for schools

Students from secondary schools across the island have submitted designs for the Jamaica50-endorsed Jamaica Independence T-Shirt Design Competition. The contest, which is supported by the Ministry of Education, called on students from more than 450 secondary schools to illustrate what the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence means to them.

The event, organised by clothing company Zedrin Limited, gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents and patriotism while raising money for their schools. Competition organiser Marc Morgan, founder and CEO of Zedrin Limited, explained, "We wanted this initiative to be of value, not just to young people, but to their communities as well, so the top designs from these talented young people will be sold in retail stores and part proceeds from those sales will go back to the schools."

Stephanie Campbell of the Jamaica50 Secretariat, remarked, "Jamaica50 is proud to endorse this creative project which shows the talents of our young people, while also highlighting the celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of Independence. We are in support of Zedrin's initiative to showcase these designs, while also giving back to the community."

Grace McLean, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Education, commented, "The Ministry of Education supports the Jamaica Independence T-Shirt Design Competition. This initiative seeks to strengthen and enhance the creative potentialities of our students. The competition targets secondary students and provides an opportunity for them to showcase their talents nationally. The ministry applauds the efforts of Zedrin Limited in contributing to the Jamaican education system and for giving back to schools. We look forward to a positive outcome."

The competition will also reward the students individually. "The participants will, of course, receive fantastic prizes as well. The first-place design will win $35,000 plus a getaway for four to Great Huts in Port Antonio. Second place will win an all-inclusive getaway for two to Sunset on the Beach in Negril plus $25,000 cash, and the third-place winner will get a gift basket plus $20,000," Morgan noted.

Ten entries will be selected by a panel of local judges made up of some of Jamaica's notable creative minds, including Miami-based marketer Thomas Desulme, former Comedy Central writer-turn-film director Marcus Bird, and Justin Hadeed Awn, known for his role on The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate and for modelling campaigns for Polo and Macy's. The judging panel is rounded out by popular local designer and photographer Michelle 'Bagawiya' Hamilton, who recently had her work displayed in Times Square, New York City, and Adam Barakat, account executive at National Outdoor Advertising, who brings six years of experience in the printing industry.

Two of the 10 entries will be guaranteed to move into retail stores, while the remaining eight will be put to a public vote to select the third design which will be placed in retail stores. According to Morgan, the initiative aims to raise $300,000 for the schools of the finalists. "We have been extremely excited about submissions that had rolled in for the June 20 deadline. The students have put forward some amazing work and we look forward to seeing how this experience will benefit the schools that have participated."