Village Primary and Infant School Wins $300,000 Prize

Village Primary and Infant School in Faiths Pen, St. Ann, has emerged victorious in the inaugural ‘Risk It for the Biscuit’ competition, securing a $300,000 prize to build a school tuck shop.

The competition, organised by Seprod, challenged primary schools across Jamaica to collect the most Butterkist biscuit wrappers in exchange for points.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Hon. Marsha Smith, praised the school’s achievement when she helped to present the cheque to the institution during a handover ceremony on Wednesday, August 21.

Ms. Smith said that the united efforts of students, parents, teachers and local supporters exemplified true determination and collaboration.

“They are going to remember that they laid some of the groundwork for the tuck shop, because this is where the $300,000 reward is going to go towards,” Ms. Smith outlined.

“It’s going to go towards a tuck shop to benefit all the students, all the teachers and all the staff that make up this school community. So, it’s a selfless effort on behalf of [the school community],” she added.

Ms. Smith commended Seprod for organising a competition that fostered teamwork and community engagement among primary-school students across Jamaica.

Principal, Janice Nelson, said she was grateful to all those who supported the school’s journey to victory, acknowledging the critical role played by parents, past students, and local stakeholders.

Ms. Nelson pointed out that the prize money will be invested in building a proper tuck shop, complete with refrigerators, stove and other amenities to further contribute to the well-being of Village Primary and Infant School.

“I know that there will be many more because I know Seprod is coming again, and we are going to go bigger and better. I’m happy that you are all here to celebrate,” she said.

Brand Manager at Seprod, Marielle Wade, explained that the ‘Risk It for the Biscuit’ competition was specifically designed for primary schools, targeting children aged eight to 12 years old.

The initiative aimed to engage students positively and reward their efforts in a time when they face numerous negative influences, she said.

As part of their victory celebration, the school enjoyed a fun-filled day with rides, treats, and an assortment of Seprod products, including Butterkist snacks, Monster Milk, and fruit juices.