KINGSTON, Jamaica – On Saturday, September 2nd, The Grace Scholarship Fund delivered awards to 11 Jamaican college students pursuing greater schooling on the island-nation. The occasion was held in Kingston on the on the College of the West Indies Mona Campus.
The Grace Scholarship Fund was based in 2014, named after Grace Lawrence a life-long Jamaican educator. Grace served in a proper capability at Immaculate Conception Excessive College for over 35 years. Submit retirement, Ms. Lawrence volunteered her time to the sphere of schooling till simply a few weeks earlier than her passing in October, 2021. For the reason that Fund’s inception, Founder & Govt Director, Rissa Lawrence has made it her mission to help Jamaican Youth by way of the Fund. Up to now, the group has distributed over 70 awards.
“I’m elated that the Grace Scholarship Fund has discovered a solution to help college students pursuing a wide range of careers”, says Rissa. This 12 months’s recipients spanned all walks of life, diploma packages and better schooling institutes. The 2023 cohort consists of future dentists, attorneys, automotive professionals, social employees, enterprise managers, accountants, lecturers and nurses. The scholars ranged 18 – 28 years of age.
Annual Reception
Visitor Audio system on the Fund’s annual reception included The Honourable Fayval Williams, Minister of Training and Youth for Jamaica. Throughout her deal with, the Minister acknowledged that schooling is the channel by means of which many Jamaicans are in a position to rise from humble beginnings to positions of prominence. Additional highlighting the broad affect of schooling on the better society, the Minister shared that “After we spend money on our youngsters by supporting their schooling, we’re in truth investing within the improvement of our Nation”.
“Our Fund is fortunate to have such a various set of variety donors. We’re glad to obtain donations of any measurement. Bigger presents can fund whole awards. Smaller donations are pooled collectively to kind Group Awards. Each greenback actually does make a distinction” stated Founder, Rissa Lawrence.
Visitor Speaker
Additionally as visitor speaker, was the Reverend Robert Foster, an ordained minister and in addition an govt with Victoria Mutual Financial institution. His opening feedback challenged the scholars to proceed to push and surge forward to make sure they maximize their true potential. He then inspired the recipients to have a day by day routine for fulfillment that features all the things from seizing moments, standing on God to staying targeted and learning properly.
Gold Donors
Different reception attendees included ‘Gold Donors’ from Jamaica and past. “My household and I’ve been working with the Grace Scholarship Fund and attending the reception since 2017. The inception of the Thomas Laing Sr. Scholarship was created out of the will to assist college students within the area of auto physique and mechanics, and JAGAS was the proper match. My father, Thomas, at all times beloved giving again, so we now have made it our mission to hold on his legacy of service to the Jamaican neighborhood.”, stated Tia Liang, of the Liang Household from america.
Through the reception, the scholars shared concerning the hardships they’re overcoming to attain their instructional targets. “I’m very grateful to be a recipient of this award as it would assist in direction of my schooling and getting nearer to attaining my profession aim of changing into a licensed registered nurse. This scholarship can be a motivation for me to by no means surrender and at all times imagine in myself regardless of the challenges that come up. I’m so grateful for this chance.” stated Shanna-Kay Foster, a nursing scholar at Brownstown Group School.
“Training is a good equalizer and Grace Scholarship Fund is glad to play a task “, says Rissa who herself is a graduate of each Harvard Enterprise College (MBA) and Northwestern College (BSc, Engineering).
College students have been delighted to additionally obtain journey stipends for the day for them and their company.
2023 Award Recipients
- Jamilia Williams (College of the West Indies, Psychology)
- Kaycia Hylton (College is the Commonwealth Caribbean, Accounting & Finance)
- Jade Simmonds (College if the West Indies, Legislation)
- Scott Wright (Jamaican German Automotive College, Motor Automobile Repairs)
- Ryheem McKoy (College is the West Indies, Operations Administration)
- Shanna-Kay Foster (Brownstown Group School, Nursing)
- Shanique Fanty (Northern Caribbean College, Social Work)
- Shana-Kay Manning (College of Know-how, Dentistry)
- Kadejah Watson (Northern Caribbean College, Social Work)
- Karon Smith (Shortwood Trainer’s School, English Language and Literacy)
- Tyrece Brown (Jamaican German Automotive College, Motor Automobile Repairs)
The Fund welcomes donations of any measurement. You possibly can study extra concerning the Fund and donate by way of their web site at www.gracefund.org. You possibly can join with the Fund on Instagram @gracefund
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