Twenty-one Jamaicans were awarded scholarships to pursue their education or business venture from First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) and its corporate Foundation valuing $3.6 million.

They were presented with the scholarships at FHC’s scholarship and entrepreneurship awards on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

Dathan Henry, registered pharmacist, medical sales representative, and entrepreneur was the keynote speaker at the event.

He encouraged the audience, even those at 12-plus, to “innovate, elevate, and celebrate throughout their lifetimes”.

CEO of FHC Credit Union, Quilston Harrison, said: “These scholarships and grants are not simply about giving back; they are about opening doors for young people; doors that will lead to opportunities with a lasting impact far beyond today.”

Five outstanding Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students were also awarded five-year scholarships as well as five one-time bursaries. The total value of the PEP scholarship is $200,000.

The scholars are: Chelsea Dixon who will take her place at Glenmuir High from Mineral Heights Primary; Jaden Campbell to Campion College from Jessie Ripoll Primary; Arianna-Kristen Williams to Campion College from Kensington Primary; Jhanelle Smith to Campion College from Saints Peter and Paul Preparatory; and Tess-Ann Campbell Williams to Montego Bay High from Elite Academy.

The Foundation’s one-time PEP bursary recipients are Rae-Anna Jarrett from Kensington Primary who will transition to St. Andrew High; Mekhi Lumley from Jessie Ripoll Primary to Calabar High; Gabriel Haye from Ardenne Preparatory and Extension High to Wolmer’s Boys’ School; Matthew Blackstock from May Pen Primary to Glenmuir High; and Arianna Daley from John Rollins Success Primary and Infant to Mount Alvernia High.

FHC Foundation allocated $2.1 million to continue two legacy awards that were established prior to the merger that formed the current Credit Union.

These prestigious awards — the Renald Mason Awards and the Oswald Thorbourne Awards — are granted to tertiary-level students.

This year, a total of six students received these awards, representing a diverse range of fields including Tourism and Hospitality Management, Education, and Business.

For the Renald Mason Awards, the recipients are Nashanique Heslop at University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, while Latanya Allen and Melissa Myrie are at Church Teachers College.

The Oswald Thorbourne Awards recipient is Stacey-Ann Whyte at University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, while bursaries were issued to Kassandra Morgan at Church Teachers College, and Tonique Orgill at University of the West Indies Mona.

FHC Foundation introduced in 2023 the Sports Education Scholarship predicated on its Youth, Education & Sports (Y.E.S.) pillars. Two students from the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education & Sport were honoured as recipients of the second year of the scholarships.

One scholar, Lavana Shorter, was moved to tears as she expressed her deep gratitude during her award acceptance. She shared how this scholarship renewed her hope and inspired her to keep pushing forward in her studies at age 46.

Due to the exceptional quality of applications this year, the scholarship committee decided to award a bonus recipient Shemore Howell student of Bachelor of Physical Education.

In addition to the scholarships and bursaries, three young business owners will receive an injection of $500,000 as winners of the FHC Micro & Small Business Entrepreneurship Award.

They are Shaundrice Foster, principal of cosmetology brand G.Weed Cosmetics; fashion designer Romario Clarke of Yolvinta Company Ltd; and agri-techpreneur Toni-Ann Williams of Mosa Estate Hydro Farm.

Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager — Marketing, Communications and Member Experience at FHC explained that the micro and small business owners will each receive the grant money from FHC as well as business coaching and mentorship over the course of one year.