CLASS OF ‘93 MAKES EASIER PATH FOR STUDENTS
Five students from Ocho Rios High School, St Ann have been given scholarships that will make their return to school for the academic year easier and potentially more productive.
The students who participated in an essay competition received books and stationery, personal supplies and cash grants and also had school fees paid.
The scholarship winners, based on the essay, were Josiah Johnson, top performer; Demar Bent, Lamar Bent, Minglee Tai Carmmock, and Joshua Wheeler.
(ASSISTANCE: In Photo, Principal of Ocho Rios High School Marvin Clowson (left) stands with the representatives of the Class of 93 behind the five scholarship winners from Ocho Rios High School (seated). Beside the Principal are from left Genevor Gordon Bailey, Donnette Thomas, Sherine Campbell Naddia Murray, Danielle Harvey, and Kevin Peterkin)
The assistance came from members of the Class of ‘93 who came together earlier this year to keep links going with their alma mater.
The past students now adults had started communicating last year on social media, following the funeral of one of their number. As their ideas jelled about how best to help their school, some of them decided to make going back to school a little easier for deserving students
Group administrator Simone Mesquito worked hard among the overseas students from the Class of ‘93 hand in hand with Naddia Murray-Riley who mobilized the members in Jamaica. Contributions came from many of the Class of ’93.
(One scholarship recipient accepts books as part of his package)
Councillor Genevor Gordon Bailey, who was among the first batch to enter in 1988 when the institution was upgraded to a high school, said following their historic 30-year reunion they have continued to meet on social media.
(Member of the Class of 93 gets a hug as she hands over items to a scholarship winner)
The decision to help was made easy when some of the Group members reflected on the fact that when they were in school they benefited from the philanthropy of others that made their success possible. They felt it was their turn to do good for those who might need their help.
An essay competition was launched and five students who responded were all assisted. Mrs Gordon Bailey says the Batch of ’93 will at a later date formalise criteria for assistance to students. However, she said they wanted to help now, before the start of the 2024/25 school year.
The recipients have all been provided with textbooks and other stationery, personal care items, and fees for four of them were paid.
The handover took place at the school, Ocho Rios on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Principal Marvin Clowson; Dean of Discipline Teresa Lyle Anderson and several other staff members were in attendance. Mr Clowson was thankful for the support from the Class of ’93.
Among those from the Batch of 93 at the event were: Donnette Thomas, Genevor Gordon-Bailey, Sherine Campbell, Naddia Murray-Riley, Kevin Peterkin, and Danielle Harvey.
Here is a part of the introduction to the handover event. Watch
