Meet Candice Guppy—Top school debater

Nestled in the foothills of the northern range in East Trinidad is the El Dorado Secondary Comprehensive School, a most effective institution nurturing students in a variety of curriculum areas.

Ascending out of the ranks of this esteemed institution are two members of the debating fraternity — Candice Guppy, president; and Janelle Sebastian, public relations officer of the debating club. Having both been featured quite prominently recently, president Candice Guppy will be highlighted in today’s Heroes of the School System. Candice spoke with president of the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) Trevor Oliver, concerning a peace march organised by the Blue Whispers Public Speaking and Debating Society of El Dorado Secondary Comprehensive School.

Questioned as to what prompted the peace march, the petite 17-year-old strongly responded, “Well there are so many negative reports in the media about school violence and indisciplined youths, and being some of the more maligned youths, we felt we had to do something about it. “We decided to plan something which would focus on the more positive aspects of the youth, and this walk was the best idea,” Candice stated. Having entered El Dorado Secondary Comprehensive in 1997, and now an Upper Six student, Candice is currently pursuing studies in Sociology, History, Economics and General Paper. An excellent sixth form student, Candice said her involvement with the group does not detract from the rest of her studies.

However, while admitting that she had indeed used some of her time which could have been channelled into formal school work to concentrate on the club, Guppy said, “there are many members of the group working behind the scenes which helped to make the walk a success.” She went on to describe it as “worthy work.” Charged with the responsibility of ensuring that activities are “attention getters,” Candice revealed that interesting activities such as the peace walk,  and mini debates on current topics were organised. Questioned as to what message she envisioned was communicated to the wider public out of the march, Candice said “I think this definitely goes to show that there are some among us who will not stand for it, and who decided to so something about it.” Adding that the walk was a way to “show that there are some of us who are not indisciplined, and some who believe that society can be uplifted and this walk was showing society we are positive youth.” Heading the list of her hobbies is swimming, whilst cricket follows a close second, and then her passion for debating.

Candice has been described by her peers as an all-round student “whose leadership skills are tremendous,” in addition to having earned the respect of the principal, teachers and other students of the school. According to Principal Sylvia Creppin, “Candice is a role model who has made the school community extremely proud.” Guppy’s form teacher, Beulah Garcia summed up Candice as a “gifted leader who is very devoted to activities undertaken, and as president of the debating club, she has shown tremendous promise, while being an asset to the school.” Trevor Oliver, who participated in the historic march organised by Blue Whispers stated “Candice is definitely a charismatic individual whose magnetic personality endears her to both students and teachers alike.” He concluded by wishing her all success in future endeavours as “she realises her full potential as an academic and a leader.”

Questioned on her goals in life, Candice said the next five years will be spent studying law which will culminate in her achievement of a law degree, so that she can practise law. Listing her parents Debra and Wayne Guppy, as well as her best friend Ronnie Jones as her strongest support system, Candice said her form teacher Beulah Garcia had the greatest impact on her life thus far. Asked to advise other young and dynamic youth like herself, Candice called on persons “to take a stand and not sit back letting a minority of the youth stigmatise you. Make your own stigma, which should be a positive one and I want to encourage the entire country to plan events such as these.”