Outstanding Students and Teachers from North West St. Ann Honoured

Some 120 top performing Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students from North West St. Ann and their teachers, along with 50 tertiary level students, have been recognised for outstanding work.

At an awards ceremony held recently at the Holiday Haven in Runaway Bay, the beneficiaries were presented with books, education grants, and other awards by Member of Parliament, Dr. Dayton Campbell.

In congratulating the awardees, Dr. Campbell said he strongly believes in the power of education in opening up doors of opportunity for young people. A medical doctor by profession, he said he stands as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to one’s studies and hopes to inspire others towards similar achievement.

“Education is the reason why I stand here today. It has worked for me, I know the wonders that it has created for me and my family and I believe if I am able to inspire some of these youngsters to make the same for themselves and their families, then North West St. Ann, will be a better place, and Jamaica, by extension,” he stated.

Dr. Campbell said he had spent $1.3 million on books this year for the students, in addition to the education grants and other initiatives.

He informed that during the summer, free medical checks were provided to students in the constituency and other parishes. “We have gone over a thousand medicals, free of charge. In dollar value, it is over $2 million that we have contributed to students, by doing the medicals,” he said.

He said that focus will be placed on a skills training programme to benefit some 250 persons. “That is costing us $2.4 million, students don’t pay anything, we pay everything. We have partnered with some persons, HEART comes on board and they (students) get Level 2 certification in the 10 different disciplines,” Dr. Campbell informed.

Tertiary student Kacie Howard, who is pursuing a law degree, told JIS News that the education programme helps students to realize their dreams. “Supporting education, this cause is a good one, and I am happy that I am able to be part of it,” Miss Howard said.

Teacher at the Lower Buxton All-age School, Hyacinth Gooden, said witnessing the students being recognised for their hard work has motivated her to continue doing her best.

“Seeing the students being recognised in such a manner makes me as a teacher really motivated to continue. For the MP, it is a good gesture, and I do hope that he will continue this. I do hope too, that the students will use up this opportunity to motivate others,” she said.