21 students get Rotary award

The fourth form recipients of the Rotary Club St Vincent George Phillips award have been advised to stop making excuses and become more productive.

This word of encouragement was uttered by Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of the West Indies Vincentian Dr Justin Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony held for the top fourth formers in the country, their teachers and parents at the Methodist Church Hall on Thursday, June 21.{{more}}

Reflecting on his common entrance results, Dr Robinson admitted that he did not do as well as he had wanted but said that he never gave up and encouraged students to never view themselves as failures. He stressed that too often young people made excuses about their family background, abilities and attitudes instead of aggressively pursuing their goals to become productive members of society.

The Deputy Dean said that when he was younger the Internet and other technological advances were not easily accessible to him and his peers however the youth of today “have it at their finger tips to be the greatest generation ever.”

Meanwhile, Rotary Past President Brian Glasgow in a slide show outlined the qualities of George Phillips, after whom the award was named and pointed out that he was a man whom young people should emulate.

Glasgow noted that Phillips who was of dark complexion, called himself “Black Magic” as a way of using humour to defuse racial prejudice that arose during the racially tense situations of his time. The past President also highlighted that Phillips was an excellent sportsman, humanitarian and scholar who used his time positively to make a difference.

Muriel Fraser of the Ministry of Education expressed gratitude to Rotary Club of St Vincent for honouring the efforts of the students and implored on other non governmental organizations to partner with other students.

The 21 fourth form students from schools across the country each received a certificate of excellence, a savings account at the National Commercial Bank (NCB) with a $100. deposit and a book by Stephen R. Covey entitled, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” (SG)