Remembering when I was a cheerleader of the Magnificent Troopers ...~.~.~.~.~.~.Ann-Marie "Posh-Ann" Lawrence
Magnificent Troopers was popular known to be a Marching Band, a Drum Corp or a Musical Band with Cheer-leaders but it was more than that to me. As a member of the Magnificent Troopers I classify myself as we, when I speak of the troopers. We were also the active members of the Police Youth Club at the Jamaica Police Academy functioning as a social community that enables us to foster friendship and social activities which was more than what we are known for. Magnificent Troopers not only ensure that it's members have fabulous times but ensures that they become good citizens and contribute positively to society.Most of our parents could not afford to pay for us to learn any extra curriculum activities or pay for us to attend any kind of class while school was out. Many hearts were willing but pockets were weak. Magnificent Troopers is a safe haven where we learn things free of cost instead of idling our time away which sometimes can be lead to the wrong involvement.
Some of the training offered are playing drum, percussion and horns Keep fit activities was compulsory and we could not dodge the discipline of the Military. Further to that, it is unlike some politics that I have seen. We place emphasis on the practice of tolerating our individual opponents and our competitors in order to achieve a positive goal. We learn to appreciate the values of co-operation. We could not afford to have a weak link so it was no man stand alone. Among us, the smallest sprat rise to stand up like a whale.
Camping was another opportunity for us to learn to live and get along with others without the comfort and luxury of our homes, plus the inadequacy of the commodities of our choice.
Despite the many misunderstanding, the teasing, the mimicking, grubbing that we thought was fun at the time, not to mention the laughs while others were embarrassed; we hold no grudges. We learn how to put all those behind us and become stronger and more supportive to each other. Some of those things were obstacle that presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
Our performance was not hot at netball, football, athletics nor any other sports but we didn’t just look good in our drum corp uniform especially we girls, in our cheerleaders outfit, we were outstandingly great at our performances. Awesome!!!!
We were always ready to party but never have any excuse not to attend church. We shared a lot of festive times. Plus all the events that we couldn’t afford to go we were more than over-joy when we had to perform at those events.
Our confident and self-esteem was boost noticeably. I remember, I was always what one would call a nerve ball. How poor my confident was, if I was mentor to kick the moon, no matter how good I was at it, when the time comes for our final practice I would kick the stars instead. I would then feel so silly. Once we were having a final practice for a National Competition with our officials pretending to be judges, giving us mock inspection. One of my dear friend was ask her name and she proudly answered very loudly, standing at attention “ Trooper Two”. She had no idea where those words came from in her mouth as she had never heard of Trooper Two, so it wasn’t just me; only that we deliver in different packages. Presently, I’m very sure that now I could never ever miss hitting the Moon if that is what I am mentor to do ,not even in my deepest sleep. As for my dear friend, with the high level of self-esteem that she portrays, even in she is having amnesia she would make no mistake with her identity.
When I was awarded for the most discipline female at that time it was like nothing, I thought I didn’t do anything to earn it. I was just being me but it really feels good to be me. Back then, it wasn’t everyday that we saw someone on television that we knew in person. So when we were being interview to be broadcast on and I was chosen to be the spokesperson; Wow! that time I felt like a movie star.
At one point I manage to get Adrain Francis, a close family tie, to demo-graph his artistic skills with the words Super Trooper in the back of my favorite shirt at that time.
I will never forget the welcome Ricky Trooper extended to me. As a recruit I felt very cold from the manner of Maxine and Violet, the way they were watching me but not very long after I was comforted with the warmth that Shortie and Voilet engulfed me with. This memory is like a piece of treasure to me now and today I can proudly say Maxine is my number one trooper. Back then, Pye was like my dessert.
Our Drum Major, Earle, he was so slick I wonder if he ever did make any mistake on parade. His little daughter Shaneil was like everyone in the band baby. She was the baby of the band; we all loved her. I did take her home to spend a weekend with me when she was suppose to be spending with Ann-Marie C.
Of the four Ann-Maries, Ann-Marie Daley and I were once selected to participate on a horticultural float. Although the floral arrangements were extremely beautiful, we were like the main attraction on the float. We wore our cheerleaders outfit and we smile and wave all day like some kind of celebrity as the float passes through the many communities. Gosh! The feeling was so “cute and preedie” Of course we were always cute and beautiful. We did feel like superstars.
It was fun hanging out with Jennifer but I was never sure if I did understand Sharon.
Ann-Marie Edwards, her home was like a second home for all of us Troopers and her mom was like the mother of the band. We didn't just had one mom that was like the mother of the band, of course there was Miss Ivy and Maxine mom. At times I hang out in the home of all these moms. Miss Olive, may her soul Rest In Peace.
Our instructor, Lloyd Thomas, his career was in the Law Enforcement. No matter what rank he was promoted, no disrespect nor misdemeanor; we highly respect him but he was always our Corporal Thomas. Sometimes we just call him Corporal in a causal situation
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Could I ever forget Paula? We promise to share bunk on every camp that we would go. It was sad when after leaving training one night she got hit by a car. She was hospitalized until the moment the darkness of death over-shadow her and her lights went out . If others forget, I’m sure Myrie will not. “ May her soul rest in peace”
Charmaine was always address as Miss Mighty (her surname) not that she was our senior. She was very reserved. One glimpse at her portray an image of maturity.
Not forgetting anyone but there is so much to tell and I have to stop somewhere.
We, the Magnificent Troopers are like family and will forever be known individually as a Trooper.