THE San Fernando West Secondary School has won top prizes in the "Most Patriotic School" competition put on by the Ministries of Education and National Diversity and Social Integration, as part of the country 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations.

Teachers Teeholie Ramdass and Deborah Birjah-Rampersad took several pupils to the Arima Boys' Government Primary School, where a prize giving function was held on Monday.

The competition was open to all Early Childhood Care and Education Centres, and primary and secondary schools.

The schools were judged in how they enhanced the surroundings with national flags and emblems, through class projects, and the singing and playing of national songs.

The school's principal Seerajh Dhoray said his school embarked on a series of activities to commemorate the event.

He said pupils were involved in a research project to identify citizens who made outstanding contributions nationally and internationally, placing portraits of the persons in classrooms, in the categories of culture, sports, politics, trade union, and education and science.

Various departments worked on a Heritage Village which highlighted the influence of the many people who came to make Trinidad and Tobago home.

Pupils were also given an opportunity to showcase their skill at a talent show held in October.

Dhoray said there was a need for a multipurpose hall to be built to host school functions and where the visual and performing arts curriculum could be delivered in a more conducive environment.

The school placed first in the "Most Patriotic School —Projects" category, and was first overall in secondary schools.