Students Receive Scholarship And Bursaries

The financial burden often associated with back-to-school preparations has been considerably reduced for 47 students this academic year, thanks to the JPS and Partners Co-operative Credit Union Limited (PCCU).

Among the latest awards are one tertiary-level scholarship and 46 high school bursaries, valued at more than $3 million, which were handed over to the recipients, during an awards ceremony, held at the Knutsford Court hotel in New Kingston on August 20.

Eighteen-year-old Michellae Walker was named the 2014 recipient of the Albert ‘Bertie’ Morris scholarship valued at $150,000 annually for the next three years. The scholarship is awarded to a member or member’s child, based on academic achievement and financial need.

An additional 46 students, who were successful at the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and Grade Nine Achievement Test (GNAT), were presented with cheques valued at $12,500 annually, over a five-year period.

To maintain their awards, all bursary and scholarship recipients are required to maintain a B average.

Keynote speaker, Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, congratulated the awardees, imploring them to remain focused, even in the face of immense challenges.

Mr. Thwaites urged the students to make the best of the opportunities presented to them, further reminding them that “education is the only legitimate means of upward mobility in this society.”

President of the JPS and PCCU, Derrick Tulloch, noted that the institution is cognisant of the fact that education is the way forward. “Real change will only come to Jamaica, if we take the time out to improve on the quality of our education system and to promote the acquisition of knowledge at all levels,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Walker, who will be attending the University of the West Indies, Mona, to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, expressed gratitude to God, her parents and the credit union for their guidance, support and financial assistance.

A graduate of St. Andrew High School for Girls, Ms. Walker has attained eight Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, with five distinctions and three credits. She was also successful in four subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), receiving three distinctions and a pass.

She is involved in community service, church activities and is also an accomplished track and field athlete.

“My career ambition is to become an established auditor initially, and then to eventually use the knowledge and skills learned to help me succeed at entrepreneurship,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the high school bursary awardees, Dale Scotland, said he was extremely grateful for the “much needed financial gift.”Dale, who will be attending Jamaica College in September, also had a word of advice for his fellow awardees.  “B averages may be acceptable, but let us aim for As,” he urged