GALINA PRIMARY GRAD BRINGS JOY TO MOM, SCHOOL; FACES FRESH CHALLENGE AT HILDA’S
PORT MARIA, St Mary; October 14, 2025
For 12-year-old Kiyana Hayles of St May, receiving a JN Foundation Scholarship was both a surprise and a source of immense pride.
Kiyana, who was placed at St Hilda’s Diocesan High after her brilliant performance in PEP at Galina Primary, said that having applied for the scholarship at some point, she doubted that she would get the scholarship.
She recalled being in her room when her mother delivered the news to her and the sense of accomplishment she experienced. “I was happy. It makes me feel excited and proud of myself, because I know that most persons when they apply for scholarships, they don’t get it,” she said.
(Kiyana with mother Dawn Martin)
The scholarship, which will provide support for five years, was equally welcome news for her mother, Dawn Martin, who operates a food café in their community of Galina, near Port Maria, St Mary.
“I am so elated, I’m so grateful because sometimes it’s really hard so that will come in really handy,” Ms Martin said.
In addition to the scholarship award to Kiyana, the JN Foundation awarded five-year scholarships to 36 other students. Fourteen of the recipients are parish scholars The Foundation told North Coast Times that they would not reveal the value of the scholarship awards.
An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services.
(Kiyana in the uniform of the new school)
Kiyana’s teacher at Galina Primary Shurdan Anderson, said she had expected Kiyana’s scholarship and that Kiyana had always been an outstanding student.
“From grade one right up to grade six, she is always [in] first place. Words cannot explain how proud I am of her,” Ms Anderson said.
A former head girl, Kiyana, emerged as the overall top performer in PEP at Galina Primary and earned the Principal’s Award. She was also the valedictorian of her graduating class.
Kiyana has quickly adapted to her new environment at St Hilda’s in Brown Town, St Ann, a release from the JN Foundation said. It said she particularly admires her teachers and appreciates the discipline at the school.
Her daily routine, however, is not without sacrifice. Every morning, she rises at 4:00 a.m. to prepare for her journey, which involves taking two buses to get to school, more than 30 miles away. Kiyana remains enthusiastic. “Sometimes I feel tired, but it doesn’t last. I look forward to school,” she said. Looking to the future, Kiyana has set her sights on medicine, aspiring to become a paediatrician.
Outside of schoolwork, Kiyana enjoys reading and drawing.
