‘Graduates Can Fly’ singing competition launched its third staging on Thursday, May 30, 2024.

The competition is organised by author and empowerment coach Alvin Day and recording artiste Jeffrey ‘Agent Sasco’ Campbell and endorsed by the Ministry of Education and Youth.

The competition is open to all students from primary and secondary schools across Jamaica to showcase their talents and win a share of J$1.5 million in cash and musical instruments for their schools.

Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle, acting chief education officer within the ministry, explained that the ‘If Caterpillars Can Fly, So Can I‘ song and book remain in high demand among educators and have been instrumental in positively transforming the lives of the nation’s children.

She said, “We commend your organisation for the commitment and investment in instilling positive values and attitudes in our children through this competition. We value your continued partnership as we Transform Education for National Development.”

Agent Sasco expressed gratitude hearing from educators and parents that a Jamaican song can be used to motivate children at graduations island-wide.

Day added, “We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and the Ministry of Education and Youth for their consistent endorsement of the competition and for recognising the impact it has had on transforming the students from caterpillars to butterflies. The public is encouraged to take a look at the remarkable talent that will gain exposure through the competition and to cast their votes for their favourite performance video from July 8 to 28, 2024. It is our responsibility as a nation to nurture our future generations and show them the many opportunities that exist for them to soar – just as this very competition is doing.”

For the singing competition, students are invited to perform and submit a rendition of the song, Caterpillars Can Fly by Agent Sasco featuring The LC Show.

The video recordings of the performances should be submitted via email by WeTransfer or Google Drive to [email protected].

The videos will be reviewed and uploaded to the competition’s ShortStack platform and Alvin Day’s social media pages thereafter, where public votes will be counted exclusively.

The competition offers substantial rewards for both primary and secondary school categories. First-place winners will receive musical instruments valued at $300,000 and $150,000 in cash, second-place winners will receive musical instruments valued at $140,000 and $70,000 in cash, and third-place winners will receive musical instruments valued at $60,000 and $30,000 in cash.

Winners will be announced on July 31.

The Jamaica National Group will introduce its Schools’ Savings Programme to the top three schools in each category after the prize-giving ceremony in August.