Seven Receive Claude McKay Book Scholarship

Seven students of Jamaican heritage attending colleges and universities in the United States are recipients of the 2014 Claude McKay Book Scholarship awarded by the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM).

They are: Janeila Benjamin, University of Maryland; Dylan Godfrey, Penn State University; Akeem Henry, University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); Dequon Mayo, University of Technology in Tennessee; Alexander Murdock, Morgan State University; Marian Simms, Temple University; and Marvin Thomas, Morgan State University.
In making the presentation at the 26^th anniversary celebration and scholarship awards banquet of JAM, held at the Best Western Hotel in Baltimore on Saturday, June 14, JAM President, Noel Godfrey, pointed out that over the past 26 years, the organisation has awarded book grants totalling US$70,000.

He said that the grants now valued at US$500 will be increased to US$1,000 per student next year.  JAM will also make awards to needy students in Jamaica who are enrolled in a tertiary institution.

Mr. Godfrey stressed that it is important for the association to continue supporting students of Jamaican heritage who are enrolled in tertiary institutions throughout the USA.  He said that these grants will assist students to achieve their goals, and give back to Jamaica.

In delivering the keynote address, Lecturer in Electrical Engineering and Urban Transportation at Morgan State University, Dr. Petronella James said, “The survival of Jamaicans as a people living in the 21^st century and beyond will depend on trained minds that have developed their abilities through education and training to navigate our world, to garner the benefit to our society.”

She urged the awardees to make use of the educational opportunities afforded to them, as this is the key to success.

Dr. James, who is Jamaican, encouraged the awardees to consider giving back to the island after completing their studies, as the country needs their expertise.

“Regardless of the choice you make, remember that there is a place for you in the development of our beloved island home,” she said.

Among those at the awards banquet were: First Secretary Consul at the Embassy of Jamaica, Dameon Nunick; Maryland House of Assembly Delegate, Shirley Natham-Pulliam; President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organization (NAJASO), Rick Nugent; and former president of the Jamaica Nationals Association (JNA) Moreen Wallace.