8 selected for National Scholarships

The eight persons selected as St Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2016 National Scholars were formally recognized for their achievements last Wednesday at the annual Schools’ Independence Rally.

Leading the group is Richard John, who attained nine passes in the CXC Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and received the Prime Minister’s Award.{{more}} The other National Scholars are Avril Hamilton, Rhea Cain, O’Sini Lewis, Deiriai Myers, Luzanne Edwards, Kelsey Dowers and Jodi Porter.

The National Scholars – who are all Science students – will receive full funding for a five-year period of study of their choice.{{more}}

Also recognized were five persons who received Exhibition awards (three years full funding for their studies) and three persons who received bursaries (EC$20,000 per year for a three-year period).

RICHARD JOHN

Eighteen-year-old Richard is no stranger to academic excellence, having been the top achiever in the 2014 Caribbean Secondary Education Certification (CSEC) examinations. He also placed first overall when he sat the Common Entrance Exam in 2009.

Son of Andrew and Cheryl John, he gained passes in CAPE Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Media, Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies. He hopes to forge a career in the financial sector, with particular interest in quantitative analysis, and has his eyes fixed on enrolling at the University College London.

“Honestly I don’t feel any different now… because I knew from all the work I put in… I expected it to happen.”

RHEA CAIN

Rhea, 19, is a resident of Calliaqua, and is the daughter of Winston Phillips and Wilma Cain. She gained CAPE passes in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Pure Mathematics and Communication Studies. Rhea is determined to pursue a career in medicine, and has interest in specializing in obstetrics, gynaecology or cardiology – looking at possibly attending university at UWI.

“I am relieved and grateful for the opportunity to further myself!”

DEIRIAI MYERS

Nineteen-year-old Deiriai Myers is currently pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, and is set on establishing a career as a research scientist in the biological sciences. Her interests include genetics, immunology and cell and molecular biology. The Ribishi resident is the daughter of Thornley Myers and Deidre Millington-Myers.

At the CAPE level, she gained passes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics and Communication Studies.

KELSEY DOWERS

Golden Vale resident Kelsey Dowers is currently enrolled in the five-year medical programme at Trinity School of Medicine, which will see her completing three of those years in SVG, and the final two abroad. The 18-year-old is focused on establishing a career initially in general surgery, and then hopes to specialize in thoracic (pertaining the chest) surgery. She said that having been a keen watcher of medical dramas, thoracic surgery always appealed to her. Daughter of Roddy and Lynette Dowers, Kelsey said that she feels blessed to have been awarded a national scholarship. Kelsey gained passes in CAPE Biology, Pure Mathematics and Chemistry. Additionally, for the past six years, she has been an active member of the Starlift Steel Orchestra.

AVRIL HAMILTON

JODI PORTER

Fairhall resident Jodi is 19 years old, and is the daughter of Pastor Dilbert Porter and Samantha Porter. She achieved CAPE passes in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Communication Studies and Caribbean Studies, and has aspirations of forging a career in Chemical Engineering. While she waits to embark upon her studies, she teaches Mathematics, Human and Social Biology and Information Technology at the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua.

LUZANNE EDWARDS

Eighteen-year-old Luzanne is the daughter of Maurice ‘Sketch’ Edwards and the late Londrina Edwards and recently embarked on a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of the West Indies (St Augustine Campus) in Trinidad. The Belair resident said that she feels “excited and lucky” to have been awarded a national scholarship, and hopes to eventually pursue a career in project management after completing a Master’s degree. Luzanne sat the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) this year, and achieved passes in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Communication Studies.

O’SINI LEWIS

Eighteen-year-old O’Sini is the daughter of Ephraim and Vasilca Lewis, and resides in Barrouallie. She achieved passes in CAPE Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Communication Studies and Spanish. O’Sini is interested in becoming a medical doctor – specializing in either gynaecology, obstetrics or neonatology – and is looking into attending either St George’s University (Grenada) or UWI. O’Sini enjoys reading, singing and spending time with loved ones in her free time.

“I am very elated; I must say thanks to God, my parents, family and my schools.”