GECCU rewards students with scholarships

Another institution has recognized the outstanding achievements of children and has contributed to their learning experience.

The General Employees Cooperative Credit Union (GECCU) held it 5th annual scholarship awards ceremony for outstanding students in the Common Entrance examinations.{{more}}

The ceremony, which was held at the Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday 22nd, honoured ninety-four students who received grants of $100 each and seven students who received scholarship awards.

The awardees are Alrice Simmons, Antonio Robinson, Shanique Hoyte, Josan Brown, Lafeisha Hadley, Keshawn Cuffy and Utamu Rose who will each receive $1,400 for each year up to Form 3, then $1,600 a year up to when they leave Community College or Technical College.

The ceremony included various guest speakers who all emphasized the importance of education in the lives of the students. President of the Board of Directors at GECCU, Angela Martin addressed the recipients urging them to always reach for their goals. “It is not a tragedy in failing to achieve a goal, the tragedy is not having a goal to reach,” she stated. She also reminded students that much is expected of them during their secondary education and appealed to parents to support their children as they seek to make society proud of them.

Representing the Ministry of Education, Deputy Chief Education Officer Luis deShong, addressed the students, stating that another level of schooling requires a new attitude. He also briefed students on the importance of homework, and urged students to maintain their focus. “You are at secondary school for a purpose; make every effort to achieve that purpose” he stated. He also appealed to parents to support and encourage children and to form relationships with teachers.

Guest motivational speaker Saboto Caesar, addressed the students urging them to take control of their future: “If you fail to do good for yourself, you only have yourself to blame” he stated. He also informed students of how advantaged they are stating that in his time, agriculture was the main focus but now the importance of education can be heard and seen.

The ceremony also included a dance performance and singing performed by Danella Powers. (OS)