Miss St. John’s Rural East, Tia James, Gives Back to Clare Hall Secondary with Climate-Resilient and Multimedia Enhancements

As part of her community service initiative in the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) Labour Queen Pageant 2025, Miss St. John’s Rural East, Tia James, returned to her alma mater — Clare Hall Secondary School — to donate two large air conditioning units and a state of the art-multimedia system.

This donation is part of a broader effort to create more climate-resilient educational environments. The AC units will provide relief from rising temperatures linked to climate change and will complement earlier contributions made by the area’s Member of Parliament Maria Browne.

In addition, the donation of a state of the art-multimedia- system — including speakers and multimedia equipment and a TV — is a timely investment, enhancing the school’s ability to host assemblies, plays, pageants, and community-cantered activities with proper audio and visual support.

With the school’s growing student population and its increasing role as a hub for community events, the upgrades are both functional and forward-looking.

Ms. James, who proudly serves in the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force for the past six years, spoke passionately to the students during the handover. Reflecting on her own time at Clare Hall, she shared:

“Returning to Clare Hall Secondary School brings back cherished memories,” Ms. James remarked. “It’s here that I learned the values of perseverance and community service. I’m honoured to contribute to the school’s growth and to support the next generation of leaders.”

“When I attended this school, I was active in pageants like Teen Splash and our school competitions, participated in sports, and was involved in extracurriculars. But I never lost focus on my academics. You can be well-rounded — you don’t have to choose one or the other.”

She also encouraged students to avoid negativity and stay committed to their goals:

“Block out the noise and don’t let anyone dim your light. Stay focused, get involved, and give back when you can — that’s how we build community.”

The school’s administration extended deep appreciation for the donation, emphasizing how much it will benefit both students and the wider Clare Hall community.