The Marriaqua Friendly Society or Bunpan made its annual contribution to the nation’s youth with its scholarship and bursary ceremony on August 6.{{more}}

Mhalya Frederick, former student of the Marriaqua Government School, was the sole winner of the scholarship valued at $1,050.

The funding will cover Frederick’s secondary school education with the option of being renewed should she pursue post secondary education at the St. Vincent Community College.

According to Theopholus Shallow, President of the Board, 43 applications were submitted this year for the single full scholarship. While Frederick received the grand prize the other 42 applicants did not walk away empty handed as they were each granted a bursary of $100.

The scholarship programme began in 1984 and 43 persons have benefitted to date from the award.

Over time, the scholarship increased to two each year, but the board has had to revert back to awarding one.

Girlyn Miguel, Minister of Education and Area Representative for Marriaqua, said that the 2010 Common Entrance results were of a higher standard than the previous years.

She attributed this to the hard work of the teachers and staff at the Ministry of Education.

Miguel also used the opportunity to encourage the students to continue to work hard.

Rickie Burnett, Deputy Registrar and lawyer, delivered the feature address. He encouraged the recipients to continue to work hard and to be selective of the company that they keep.

He advised the boys in the audience to remain focused, this in light of the high number of crimes that are committed by young males.