Darion St. Clair Shines On Stage And In CAPE With Five Distinctions
Darion St. Clair is proving that excellence in the classroom and excellence on the stage do not have to be separate journeys.
The Presentation College, San Fernando student recently walked away with $40,000 after placing second in the inaugural Trinbago Talent: Uncovered 2026 competition, held at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on Sunday, August 16.
St. Clair was also presented with the Cultural Ambassador Award, adding another distinction to an impressive night for the young performer.
The national competition, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, brought 16 finalists to the SAPA stage following months of auditions and selection rounds. Emerging artistes competed across several areas, including music, dance, spoken word and poetry.
Shemic St. Hillaire captured first place and the $75,000 grand prize, while St. Clair earned $40,000 for second. Nicholas Lucas placed third and received $25,000.
But St. Clair’s achievements extend well beyond the performing arts.
According to information provided to TrinGlobe Media, the young scholar recently sat five CAPE subjects at Presentation College, San Fernando — Physics, Integrated Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Communication Studies.
He reportedly achieved Grade Ones in all five subjects, with distinctions in all five.
The combination makes his recent accomplishments particularly noteworthy: while developing his talent as a performer and representing Trinidad and Tobago’s culture, St. Clair has maintained a strong academic record in a demanding group of mathematics and science subjects.
St. Clair attributed his success to the support system surrounding him, particularly his family and his music teacher and mentor at Presentation College, San Fernando, Cedel Hinds.
His success on the national stage is also not his first recognition as a young performer.
In 2023, St. Clair, then identified as a Presentation College student, won the 14-to-19 age group of the More Than Just Talent competition. He performed steelpan selections and also captured awards for Best Instrumentalist and Best Local Instrumentalist.
Years earlier, his name had already appeared among young musicians competing in national steelpan events, demonstrating a musical journey that has developed alongside his academic pursuits.
Trinbago Talent: Uncovered was created to identify and provide opportunities for emerging and developing artistes across Trinidad and Tobago. The Ministry said the programme is intended to give performers greater exposure while supporting the development and celebration of the country’s creative sector.
For St. Clair, the competition has delivered more than a second-place finish.
With $40,000 in prize money, the Cultural Ambassador Award and an outstanding set of CAPE results, the young Presentation College talent is emerging as an example of what can happen when academic discipline and cultural passion are pursued side by side.
