Students rewarded at National ‘Renewal at 40’ Independence Rally

Academic excellence was celebrated this week as 48 students crossed the stage at Victoria Park to receive bursaries, national exhibitions and national scholarships during the annual Schools’ Independence Rally.

The rally, which was held under the theme “Renewal at 40: Celebrating Excellence”, also featured performances from various primary and secondary schools across the country. This year’s event also introduced a cultural wear competition.

“We have an education revolution, which despite its weaknesses and limitations, has shown its phenomenal strengths and possibilities and those strengths and possibilities are manifest in the 48 students who are receiving bursaries, national exhibitions and national scholarships,” Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said in his feature address.

He said the government puts aside millions of dollars to ensure this happens and while it’s not a cheap initiative, the value of what is paid for results in significant returns that benefit the individual, their families and the country.

And Gonsalves encouraged all students to be disciplined, work diligently and utilise all their talents.

“To those of you who are aspiring, please, work well with your teachers and your parents. And those of you who have talents in music and in song and in dance and in athletics and any other area, give full expression to those areas while at the same time, staying true to your academics to improve yourself for now and for the future,” he said.

The Prime Minister congratulated all the awardees and wished them well in their next phase of their academic journey.

Among 10 national scholars this year is Ianà Ferguson, who received the Prime Minister’s Award. This includes a fully funded five-year university scholarship, a gold medal and $20,000 which is double the cash amount than in previous years.

The second national scholar, Shane Cadogan received the Robert Milton Cato Scholarship and $10,000. It is the first time that this cash prize has been awarded.

Eight persons received national exhibitions and 29 others received bursaries.

A special award was given to Ronnie Richardson, who was the top performer in his programme at the Division of Teacher Education. This award has all the benefits of an exhibition award, which guarantees three years of study at university.

St Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, the minister of education also congratulated the awardees on their achievement.

“As we celebrate, let us rekindle the fire and determination that has motivated us thus far. You students are the only ones who can ensure this happens. Continue to be obedient to your teachers and parents. Always strive to do your best both in the class room and on the field of play. There are some vices…showing their ugly heads in our schools. Let us work together to eliminate them and ensure that our future remains bright,” he said.

The education minister said that the government will continue to ensure that there are incentives for academic achievements at all levels.
While noting SVG’s 40th year of independence, Prince said the country had come a long way from colonialism, particularly in the field of education. And he paid respects to the trailblazers who have paved the way for today’s educators.

“For us at the Ministry of Education, our education renewal is about providing all students with the best education to seize opportunities for success in the path they choose,” Prince said. “It is also about helping educators to work together, having positive work environments and opportunities to learn and to grow. It means taking a fresh guard in order to take advantage of the opportunities available through the education revolution as we seek to equip ourselves for living and production.”