Shillong: Rural students broke out of the classroom to dominate the SPARK Meghalaya District Talent Events this week. Teens from 12 schools in Eastern West Khasi Hills and West Khasi Hills traded rote learning for beatboxing and theatre. Thirty-nine acts hit the stage in Mairang and Nongstoin. Six winners earned the title of District SPARK Star.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, seven schools sent 24 acts to compete. Judges picked Deborah Lyngdoh Marshiangbai of Markasa Secondary School, plus Tirisha Kurbah and Nangpynjanai Marbaniang of Jidor Singh Memorial Secondary School. The West Khasi Hills event showcased 15 acts from five schools. Winners included Nazaren Marngar for solo singing, Mebanialam Nongphud for beatboxing, and a acting troupe from Sibsingh Memorial Government Higher Secondary School featuring Dakynshew Syiem, Saphishisha Wanniang, Gilbert Lyngkhoi, and Ibanteihun Thabah.
Cabinet Minister and Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdoh praised the reach of the initiative. He told the crowd, "I am so glad that this programme is focused on the rural youth in our State and schools." He argued that education must teach kids how to live, not just how to study.
The SPARK initiative reaches 12,000 students and 526 teachers throughout Meghalaya. It focuses on Articulation, Resilience, and Kindness to build confidence outside of traditional academics. Eastern West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Anita Kharpor noted that these events prove rural schools hold immense potential. Each student winner received a cash prize and a certificate. These six stars now move on to compete at the upcoming SPARK State Summit.
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