US Ambassador honours Jamaican students

KINGSTON — Academic achievement awards were handed out to 24 students from four high schools and one primary and junior high school, by U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Pamela Bridgewater, at the Embassy on Friday (July 1).

The awardees were from Charlie Smith High Edith Dalton James High, St. Hugh’s High and Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High schools and Kingston College.

The new initiative from Ambassador Bridgewater, is to encourage students who achieved excellence throughout the academic year. The outstanding students were honoured in the categories of: most outstanding student; runner-up, most outstanding student; best performance, mathematics and science; best performance, English/English Literature; and most improved student.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Bridgewater encouraged the children to set their standards high, and striving for excellence in whatever they do.

“We should never strive to be just mediocre only, and always do your best,” she said, noting that excellence in education plays a critical role in the national development.

She said that parents and teachers play an integral role in the process, and commended those who have been assisting the students over the years.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Sonya Thompson, of Edith Dalton James High, commended the U.S. Ambassador for conceptualizing the programme, and pledged their continued high performance in their academic pursuits.

The students who copped the most outstanding awards were: Tara-Lee Davis, Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High; Oshene Edwards, Charlie Smith High; Sonya Thompson, Edith Dalton James High; Damion Jackson, Kingston College; and Alessandria Clare, St. Hugh’s High.

The Ambassador’s Academic Achievement Awards programme was launched on June 27, with 24 students from Ardenne High, Campion College, Camperdown High, Jamaica College and Mona High School receiving awards from the Ambassador.

Approximately 45 schools are participating in the inaugural stage of the programme.

By CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS Reporter