Twelve-year-old Xia Williams, a first-form student at Titchfield High School in Portland, beamed with pride as she accepted her scholarship award, a testament to her hard work.
She was one of 37 students honoured as JN Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scholars by the JN Foundation at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Sunday, October 6. Each student was recognized for their outstanding achievements.
Reflecting on the moment, Xia said, “I was so excited,” her joy shining through as she received the prestigious award alongside her fellow high achievers.
Dr Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth and guest speaker at the ceremony, urged the students to make their mark during high school. “Excellence is within your reach. Remember, excellence is a habit that you feed so it grows. Feed that habit of excellence, feed your discipline, and understand that you can blossom where you are planted,” she said. Dr Troupe, a former JN Scholar herself, shared her own journey, stating she did not attend a preparatory or traditional high school but worked hard to succeed.
“I am testifying today about the ordinariness that turned out to be extraordinary. Do not let anyone blow out your candle. Light your candle, make that spark bigger and brighter, and go light the world,” she encouraged.
Under the theme “Nourish Your Spark,” Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, urged recipients to feed their curiosity. “You are scholars; therefore, never stop learning. The more you expose yourself to new ideas, people, and experiences, the brighter your spark will burn. Read, ask questions, and seek out what excites and challenges you,” he charged.
Lyew-Ayee emphasized that the Jamaica National Group’s commitment to education extends beyond monetary assistance.
“This scholarship is not just a reward for your past achievements but an investment in your future endeavours. We have great faith in your potential and look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions you will make to society,” he said.
A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. Of these, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships, three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships, and 20 for children of JN Group staff members through the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships.
The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants from JN Money Services Limited for high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.
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