Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (right), congratulates 2013 Burger King Scholarship recipient, Shannae Stewart, during a special awards ceremony held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Thursday, August 22. Rev. Thwaites was the guest speaker.
Some 22 students from across the island, who excelled academically during the 2012/13 school year, have been awarded scholarships and grants totaling $3.2 million by restaurant franchise, Burger King Jamaica, to offset tuition and other related expenses over the next five years.
The scholars, who will be pursuing secondary and tertiary studies beginning the 2013/14 academic year, which starts in September, were presented with their awards and prizes, under the Burger King National Scholarship Programme, during a special ceremony at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Thursday, August 22.
Two students entering university, Jodi-Ann Hughes and Oshane Carter, graduates of St. Andrew High School and St. George’s College, respectively, were presented with the Lois Sherwood and Rodwell Lake Scholarships, valued at $900, 000 each, for three years. Both will pursue medicine at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.
Five-year secondary scholarships, each valued at $200,000 per annum, were awarded to four youngsters: Tavia Thompson; Matthew Lovindeer; Shannae Stewart; and Kashieve Allen.
Tavia and Matthew, who are top Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) performers for 2013, will be attending Immaculate Conception High School and Campion College, respectively, at the start of the upcoming academic year.
Shannae and Kashieve, who will be attending Ardenne High School and Clarendon College, respectively, are recipients of the Burger King Staff scholarship, awarded to children of the restaurant’s employees.
In addition to the secondary level scholarships, book grants valued at $180,000, were also presented to 12 students entering high school.
Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites (right), shares a light moment with Burger Kingston Scholarship recipients (from left): Matthew Lovindeer; Tavia Thompson; Jodi-Ann Hughes; and Oshane Carter, during a special awards ceremony held at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on Thursday, August 22. Rev. Thwaites was the guest speaker.
Other scholarships awardees included: Joylene Alexander, who received the Lois Sherwood Arts Scholarship, valued at $100,000, to pursue studies at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA).
The Restaurant Associates Limited Sports Scholarship, valued at $120,000, was presented to Holmwood High School student and 2013 World Female Youth 100 metres hurdles champion, Yanique Thompson.
Special education grants, each valued at $100,000, were also awarded to Monique Smith and Jerome Jackson, who will be attending the UWI.
Addressing the function, Education Minister, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, commended the awardees, and encouraged them to make the best of the opportunities afforded to them.
General Manager of Burger King Jamaica’s franchise holders, Restaurant Associates Limited, Valda Ormsby, in commending the awardees, saidthe company was delighted to be able to assist the students and their families.
“You have done well. You have made your families and schools proud, and today we salute you,” she stated.
The Burger King National Scholarship Programme, which is in its 12th year, provides awards in five major categories: tertiary level, secondary level, special education grants, sports scholarship, and arts scholarship.
Recipients are selected based on performance in their external examinations, involvement in extracurricular activities, and community service.
Since its inception in 2001, the Burger King National Scholarship Programme has awarded scholarships and grants valued at over $25 million, to some 100 students islandwide.
The programme, which was the brainchild of Chairman of Restaurants Associates Limited, Lois Sherwood, was created to aid students who perform well in their examinations and are in need of assistance to fund their academic pursuits.
Contact: Athaliah Reynolds