WELCOME TO OUR SUCCESS CLUB COMMITTEE
The Success Club Committee, leads a vibrant initiative that empowers children to embrace and celebrate Jamaican American culture through music, dance, storytelling, and cultural showcases.
Supported by her dedicated team, the program nurtures identity, pride, and creativity while aligning with the Jamaican American Association of Central Florida’s (JAAOCF) mission of youth and community development.
Through education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, the Success Club helps children grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually—shaping confident future leaders of the Caribbean American community.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Ms. Cannetta Bukola-Patterson
Ms. Deon Watson
Ms. Grace Powell
Ms. Joan Edghill
Ms. Mea Allman, President Honorary Member
Ms. Nardine McPherson
SUCCESS CLUB CHILDREN
The JAAOCF Success Club proudly includes active and dedicated young members. The program is designed to empower youth by helping them unlock their full social, personal, and academic potential. Rooted in Jamaican cultural heritage, the Success Club offers enriching programs and mentorship opportunities that foster personal growth, leadership, and confidence. Through these initiatives, members are encouraged to help amplify their voices, embrace their identity, and represent JAAOCF with pride and purpose.
JAAOCF LIFE SKILLS & CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Our JAAOCF Success Club children are growing into confident, well-rounded young leaders through a rich blend of life skills projects and cultural programs. Throughout the year, they engage in activities such as sewing, STEM experiments, tennis, public leadership roles, and educational tours — each designed to strengthen discipline, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and emotional resilience. At the same time, cultural experiences like the MLK Parade, Black History Month, Caribbean Heritage Month, Kiddies Carnival, and serving as flag bearers deepen their cultural identity, pride, and understanding of Jamaican heritage. Together, these programs equip our youth with the knowledge, confidence, and cultural grounding they need to thrive academically, socially, and within their community.
CIVIC LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LIFE SKILLS:
The Success Club children proudly kicked off the year by joining the MLK Parade and Reception at the West Oaks Mall in Ocoee, FL. For the first time in our association’s history, the JAAOCF Success Club, under the leadership of Immediate Past President Ms. Joan Edghill, participated in the after-parade reception—creating a meaningful milestone for our youth as we celebrated 40 years of service. Although JAAOCF has long supported the parade, this year’s involvement on January 20, 2025, carried special significance as we showcase the remarkable talents of our young members while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. We extend heartfelt appreciation to the City of Ocoee organizers for their support in making this moment possible. This experience provided powerful life skills: representing their culture publicly helped the children build leadership, teamwork, confidence, communication, and civic awareness. Inspired by Dr. King’s message, they gained a deeper understanding of unity, equality, and responsibility—recognizing that they, too, are part of history in the making.
HISTORICAL AWARENESS & PUBLIC SPEAKING LIFE SKILLS:
In February, we celebrate Black History Month—a time that teaches our JAAOCF Success Club children meaningful life skills rooted in identity, confidence, and cultural appreciation. As they prepare and present information about African foods and traditions, they gain a deeper understanding of their heritage and the stories behind the meals that connected families and communities for generations. Through their presentations, the children develop strong communication and public-speaking skills as they learn how to organize information, speak clearly, and share cultural facts with confidence. Researching African dishes also encourages critical thinking, curiosity, and respect for diverse cultures across the African continent. Working together in groups strengthens teamwork, listening skills, and collaboration as they support one another in delivering a successful presentation.
Most importantly, learning about the history, meaning, and cultural significance of African foods helps children build pride in their identity, empathy for others, and a greater appreciation for the traditions that shaped the generations before them. These experiences empower our Success Club children to see themselves as knowledgeable young leaders who carry their heritage with confidence and are inspired to make a difference within their community and beyond.
FISHING & STEM EXPERIMENTS LIFE SKILLS:
In March the Success Club children enjoyed a fun-filled “Fish4Fun” educational adventure at Barnett Park, where they explored lake ecosystems and completed three hands-on STEM Projects: ice fishing with salt and string, magnetic fishing for correct math answers, and saltwater-powered robotic fish. This immersive experience allowed them to connect with nature while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The outdoor setting fostered environmental awareness, teamwork, and communication, while the fishing activities encouraged patience, focus, and emotional resilience. Through both the excitement and challenges of the day, the children learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of setbacks — life skills that build confidence, character, and leadership both on and off the water.
CORE LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPED THROUGH SEWING:
In April, our Success Club children gained invaluable life skill as they participated in sewing classes designed to teach lessons that extend far beyond fabric and thread. Through guided, hands-on instruction, they learned patience and perseverance—understanding that sewing requires repetition, precision, and the courage to begin again when mistakes happen. Each project strengthened their problem-solving and critical thinking
abilities, encouraging them to troubleshoot, adjust patterns, and create thoughtful solutions. Working with various fabrics also introduced them to the rich cultural significance of Jamaican folklore attire, including traditional bandana prints, vibrant colors, and symbolic patterns worn by our ancestors. As they stitched and constructed pieces inspired by these garments, the children developed a deeper appreciation for their heritage and the stories woven into the clothing of generations past. The sewing process also nurtured attention to detail, planning, adaptability, and emotional regulation—fostering focus, self-discipline, and pride. Most importantly, they preserved cultural identity through creativity, building confidence and connection with every stitch.
CREATIVE CULTURAL EXPRESSION LIFE SKILLS:
In May for the first time in history, Jamaican culture was proudly represented at the 3rd Annual Kiddies Carnival of Orlando, and our JAAOCF Success Club children made it truly unforgettable. Dressed in vibrant tie-dye costumes and authentic cultural headpieces they helped design, the children marched and danced with pride—showcasing the energy, creativity, and spirit of Jamaica on a parade route that had never before seen our heritage displayed in this way. Their participation not only honored our rich cultural traditions but also marked a historic moment of visibility for the Jamaican community in Central Florida.
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Each June, JAAOCF proudly celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM), honoring the diverse cultures within our vibrant diaspora. This year, our Success Club children participated by embracing the richness of their heritage, proudly wearing cultural outfits made during their sewing class with Pastor Rosemarie Roth. These outfits introduced them to the deeper cultural history of Jamaican folklore attire and the symbolic patterns worn by our ancestors. Paired with a drum, cultural arts and crafts, and the Jamaican flag, the children were able to share meaningful aspects of Jamaican cultural history with those in attendance,
making the celebration both educational and memorable.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM AT FAMU LAW SCHOOL:
In June our Success Club children had the valuable opportunity to tour Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - College of Law (FAMU), an experience that inspired them to appreciate the importance of higher education and career exploration. The visit allowed them to explore the world of legal studies while developing strong critical thinking and reasoning skills. Through observing how law students analyze cases and discuss real-world-issues, and learned to examine
multiple perspectives, question assumptions, and form logical conclusions — abilities that enhance problem-solving and analytical thinking across all areas of study. This experience not only broadened their academic horizons but also motivated them to pursue excellence and lifelong learning.
PATRIOTISM, CEREMONIAL LEADERSHIP LIFE SKILLS:
In July, our Success Club children served as flag bearers for our Annual Church Service preceding the JAAOCF Jamaica Independence & Scholarship Banquet in August, proudly carrying the United States and Jamaican flags. This experience helped them build meaningful life skills rooted in leadership, cultural pride, and public responsibility. Carrying the flags taught discipline, honor, and respect for both nations, while reinforcing the importance of heritage and representation. Standing before an audience strengthened their confidence, posture, and presentation skills, as they learned to carry themselves with dignity and purpose.
The role also fostered teamwork and coordination, with each child contributing to the ceremonial procession. Most importantly, participating in this tradition instilled a strong sense of belonging, patriotism, and cultural identity—showing them that they are not merely observers of history, but active participants in preserving Jamaican heritage and celebrating their place in the American landscape.
JAAOCF ANNUAL JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE & SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET:
In August our JAAOCF Success Club children proudly participated in our Annual Jamaica Independence & Scholarship Banquet 2024, in celebration of Jamaica's Independence by reciting Mr. Peter Gracey’s poem “This Is Jamaica” and in 2025 paid tribute by highlighting Jamaica’s 14 Parishes. Engaging in cultural heritage activities like this helps our youth develop a deep sense of pride, belonging, and appreciation for their roots. It also reinforces their knowledge of national heroes, traditions, and history — building confidence, self-esteem, and a strong personal identity.
DISCIPLINE, FOCUS & EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE LIFE SKILLS:
Learning to play tennis provides our Success Club children with powerful life skills that extend well beyond the court. Through consistent practice, they develop discipline, focus, and perseverance, as tennis requires patience, repeated effort, and the ability to recover quickly from mistakes. The sport strengthens hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and decision-making, teaching children how to anticipate challenges and respond with confidence.
Playing matches also builds emotional resilience, helping them manage frustration, stay composed under pressure, and celebrate progress rather than perfection. Whether playing singles or doubles, tennis encourages sportsmanship, respect, communication, and teamwork — important values that shape character and prepare children to face real-life situations with confidence, self-control, and a growth mindset.