Three Jamaicans to be Honoured for Professional Excellence

Three Jamaicans are among eight persons and one organization to be honoured by the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey (JON-J) for professional excellence.
The Jamaicans, educators Dr. Thelma Thompson and Dr. Marcia Keizs, and Olympian Dorian Scott, will be presented with awards for excellence at the organization’s 7th annual gala slated for November 3 in New Jersey.
The black tie event will be held under the theme: ‘From Strangers to Citizens’. Dr. Thompson is President of the University of Maryland/Eastern Shore and Dr. Keizs is President of York College in Queen’s.”This is a time when we pay tribute to the finest in our communities; those persons who are always too cognizant of the fact that service to humanity is the best work in life,” said President of JON-J, Linval James.
In addition to the Jamaicans, awards will also be presented to Trevor McKenzie of Cosmopolitan Mortgage Company for excellence in business; Dave Rodney, an independent marketing consultant, will be recognized for excellence in media; Richard Nunes for legal affairs; Lawrence Hamm for leadership; and Hyacinth Simmonds for healthcare.
JON-J will also recognize the United Way of New Jersey for its contribution to the Hurricane Dean Relief effort.
Additionally, the 2007 scholarship for academic excellence will be presented to six students – Anaida Elysee, Leslie Gentles, Serena Connolly, Dwight Jones, Lori Lewis and Vaughn Stewart, who are of Jamaican parentage.
The keynote address at the function will be delivered by Barbara Gloudon, radio talk show host and communications consultant.