Chris Martin proud of St Jago’s Schools’ Challenge Quiz win

The captivated audience that gathered on the grounds of TVJ were unable to speak during the final moments of the 54th annual Schools' Challenge Quiz Competition.

As they waited with bated breath to see who would emerge the victor, the tension grew thick, but once the last bell rang, supporters of St Jago High School erupted in uncontrollable excitement after defeating Calabar High School 34-31.

Among the animated supporters was recording artiste Christopher Martin, who proudly celebrated his alma mater's win. Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR, he shared that he had to come out to witness the moment.

"I am St Jago through and through, if you cut me right now you see gold and green. This is back-to-back victories. Only championship pedigree have them vibes deh!" he exclaimed.

The 2005 Digicel Rising Stars winner also used the opportunity to still send 'big-ups' to Calabar.

Tuesday night's match was highly anticipated, as both teams faced off in the 2022 finals where St Jago had also emerged victorious. With only a few points separating the two teams heading to the buzzer section, the pressure was on, but it ultimately came down to the competitors' confidence and quick reflexes.

Martin, who left the school in 2003, shared that school pride is a massive part of what keeps the students going throughout all their endeavours, and he is always happy to come out in support.

"My support goes far and beyond. No matter what they call on me to deal with, I am there. That is my school. That school bred me, and I am always there for whatever they need. Labor Omnia Vincit," he said, repeating the school's motto which means 'Work conquers all'.

This was St Jago's seventh title, with previous wins coming in 1988, 1990, 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2022, while Calabar has won the title five times (1989, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2012).

St Jago High School, formerly Beckford and Smith, is located on Monk Street in Spanish Town, St Catherine, and was founded in 1744. Several outstanding Jamaicans have walked its halls, including National Hero Norman Manley, Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon Mike Henry, as well as Olympians Yohan Blake and Melaine Walker.