The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes (OCPA) proudly announces Mahayah Lochan-Aristide as the worthy recipient of the Second Annual Preston Shepherd Music Scholarship 2012. Mahayah, having met the criteria for the Award, is most deserving and she exemplifies all the qualities for which the late Preston Shepherd stood.
Mahayah is a Grade 10 student enrolled in the Performing Arts and Cultural Leadership Pathway at R.H. King Academy. To be accepted in that program Mahayah had to demonstrate involvement in and a passion for the arts as a possible career path. Evaluation was based on her various volunteer endeavours, academic performance and musical involvement.
Highlights of her achievements include the Principal Leadership Award in both Grades 7 and 8 and the Academic Excellence Award in Grade 8, at which time incidentally she graduated with Honours.
Being in the Arts & Cultures Pathway challenges and increases her knowledge of all aspects of performing arts into her everyday education and routine and gives her the opportunity to express her cultural interests in calypso music with her school, teachers and peers.
Mahayah’s experiences include the following: served as Assistant Instructor with ‘Pass the Torch’; registered member of OCPA (Youth category); cast member of the ‘Professionals Calypso Tent; song-writer of original soca composition “Breakout”, which was selected for OCPA’s 2012 Calypso and Soca compilation CD.
In 2012 she performed at the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival official launch at Nathan Phillips Square and at the Children’s Calypso and Soca Showcase at Downsview Park. Her creative work has been submitted for the Canadian Juno Award; Urban Music Awards and the Sunshine Awards (U.S.A.).
Mahayah is a mature, strong and confident performer. She is most deserving of Preston Shepherd Music Scholarship Award. We ask you to join OCPA in embracing Mahayah in our true calypso tradition with warmth to our family. May her performances continue to grow from strength to strength.