The first ladies of feting

KIERAN ANDREW KHAN

Siobhan Ballah, the new President of the Old Hilarians’ Association (OHA), the alumni body associated with Bishop Anstey High School, Port of Spain has her eyes set on expanding the work of OHA while honouring the near-century of legacy established before her.

A self-described “extroverted introvert,” Ballah graduated from Bishop Anstey High School in 1999 and went on to serve on the executive of the association for the past eight years, four of those as its vice president and two as assistant treasurer.

A major legacy of the association is the annual fundraising fete, the first of its kind for a secondary school alumni association, established 23 years ago and now a common-place part of the annual Carnival roster of events nationally.

“Our work is primarily concerned with the school’s infrastructure,” Ballah pointed out. “The annual fete benefits the school directly with funding capital-intensive projects such as the construction of two new classroom blocks, the repainting of the first form building, the refurbishment of the school hall and the landscaping of the grounds that we have come to know so well and love.”

At the association's annual luncheon and reunion in July of 1991, when the school was celebrating its 70th anniversary, a challenge was placed to the different year groups to find new and creative ways to raise funds to assist the school and the fete is a direct result of that decision.

“That year group which included ladies such as Diane Shurland, who was the chairman of the fete committee for many years, as well as Gem Ible, Jacqueline Morris and Alicia Hernandez, took up the mantle to host the first-ever secondary school fund-raising all-inclusive fete,” she pointed out.

“This year we are moving forward to the 100th anniversary of Bishop Anstey High School and all stakeholders are paying particular attention to the infrastructure. We hope to create a more modern space for the students and update many of the facilities on the grounds. As the school is government-assisted these are projects to which the OHA is honoured to make a contribution,” the president added.

Out of her experience with OHA, Ballah would go on to obtain a professional certificate in event management at the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business which is part of her approach to an educated and hands-on style of leadership.

“I believe in being a hard and diligent worker and have committed more or less all of my time to the association when I’m not occupied with my career role as an assistant accountant.

“I also believe in keeping an entrepreneurial spirit in terms of taking calculated and measured risks where needed that would ultimately benefit the association and the school,” she added.

“It’s important to meet challenges head on as a leader and to not hide from the unpleasant or unpopular opinions that come with them.”

She lists some of her own pet peeves as those people who are closed-minded and unwilling to think outside the box. “Communication is the cornerstone of any properly functioning eco-system since any idea loses value if not communicated effectively. You can’t get people on board with your vision if it’s not properly articulated,” Ballah highlighted.

This year, while the fete faces a challenging economy like all others, it has moved forward based on the experience and work of the association that has gone on before her role as president.

“We started our ticket sales thrust with the lowest, introductory price for a premium all-inclusive fete as an early-bird special to accommodate current climate. We are mindful and compassionate of those who wish to come have a good time but can’t spend too much for a single event. However, we do have to maintain a particular standard and balance our budgets really well and put forth a good show on February 2. The Bishop’s event quality we are known for is going to be there.”

The team also made the decision to relocate to Queen’s Hall and will this year carry the theme of Le Rouge et Noir to the World. “As the ‘First Ladies of Feting’, the event will feature the ‘First Ladies of Soca’: Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts, Destra Garcia and Fay Ann Lyons Alvarez backed by four big soca bands, under our premium, all-inclusive brand, which will transform the event’s newest venue, the exterior of the ‘grande dame of Queen's Hall into a glittering French-themed evening. Not to be left out, the gentlemen of the cast will include Bunji Garlin (and the Asylum band), Blaxx (and 'De All Starz'), Farmer Nappy, Voice, Swappi, Super Blue and many more surprises,” Ballah pointed out.

Apart from this major fundraiser, the association is constantly evolving to include more activities to highlight the school’s achievements, scholars and to raise funds to maintain its leadership in education.

“Some of the other events that we have planned this year include a post-Carnival food-inclusive event in March, a Mothers’ Day celebration in May, an inter-alumni sports and family day in June, an ‘ole school’ disco in August, a fitness and health day in October and the Hilarian Christmas Fair in December.

“It’s an active membership and role - none of which I could achieve without the fantastic legacy established by past presidents, as well as past and present members of the executive and the association overall,” Ballah highlighted.

In her down time and as a form of relaxation, Ballah is a recreational baker - an activity she says that melts away the stresses of the world. And while baking is her primary passion, she also likes to pursue opportunities to enhance her other culinary capabilities too – it’s all part of her mind-set of continuous learning and growth.