Students from Broadleaf Primary Get Scholarships

Six students from Broadleaf Primary School, in Manchester, were presented with scholarships on Sunday, July 19, to assist with the purchasing of books and other school supplies, following a fund-raising concert, held at the Broadleaf Moravian Church.

The students, who are from Grades One to Six, are Dejhaune Henry, David Josephs, Latavia Campbell, Adanijah Thompson, Moses Sterling and Oshane Nelson.

The concert, which is an annual event, is the initiative of the Campbell family, in collaboration with the Broadleaf Moravian Church. Proceeds from the concert go toward the book scholarship and a church building fund.

Patricia Campbell, resident of Broadleaf and an educator in the United States of America,  told JIS News that the Scholarship Fund began some five years ago to honour her  late parents, who were  “ardent members of the church, who valued education and saw the need in the community.”

She said that her plan is to expand the programme, so as to continue supporting the students in high schools.

“We expect it to grow and we will be able to support children throughout their high school years, not just at the elementary level,” she said. So far, 30 students have benefited from the Fund.

Miss Campbell, who taught at Broadleaf Primary School before going on to a teachers’ college, said the school is also provided with extra resources, depending on the funds collected at the concerts.

“For instance, last year it was $10,000 and the previous year it was also $10,000,” she added.

Miss Campbell lauded the support of community members in ensuring the success of the venture. “Each year it gets better. Last year we said that was the best and I think this year is the best. So, it is getting bigger and wider and we are so excited and this has propelled me to do even more. My siblings, I know, will echo that,” she  said.

Principal of the School, Zephlyn Graham, said the Fund has supplemented the allowance from Government and the school is able to purchase extra supplies, such as markers and cartridge paper.

She said that students and their parents look forward to receiving the donation each year, even though “they do not know who will be getting it.” She added that the criteria for selecting the students for the scholarships are based on their performances and their needs.

Several artistes and community groups turned out to support the concert. Among them were the New Beulah Moravian Men’s Chorale, the Lititz Moravian Youth Group, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) finalist, Leroy Richards, The Boyz – Broadleaf SDA and the Nyierendas. There was also a fashion show.

Members of the JIS Chorale also had their first live performance at the event, with their songs titled: ‘Caribbean Medley Lyrics’ by Donnie McClurkin, and ‘Hush’ by Acappella.