For the first time in its history, two male students from the University of Technology (UTech) Hospitality and Tourism Management programme are the recipients of the Jamaica Observer Food Awards Scholarship. The gentlemen — Mark Ramharrack and Junior Roberts, both 22, were among a group of five students (from a pool of many) presented as nominees for the scholarship by Karlene Gordon, Tourism Lecturer at UTech and Garcia McLennon, manager of Scholarships and financial aid at UTech, and then chosen after displaying a passion for the industry, consistently good academic performance and a clear need for financial assistance. The other three nominees for the scholarship — Stephanie Whitley, Opal Moss and Georgette Briscoe, along with Ramharrack and Roberts recounted heartfelt stories of their struggles and why they needed the scholarship.

Ramharrack, who could hardly find words to express his elation after hearing that he was one of the awardees, was humbled by his achievement and mentioned that he could not have done it by himself. “I am very honoured to have been selected as even a nominee; being a winner as well is really a huge bonus. I have to thank my lecturers and in particular Karlene Gordon for their support and motivation,” Ramharrack said. The third-year student, who grew up and worked on a farm in Clarendon, has already appeared on a local television programme where he showcased the versatility of Jamaican food. Ramharrack plans to pursue pursue a post-graduate degree and is ecstatic to know that his hard work has in many ways paid off. After finishing school, he intends to combine his agricultural skills with the business of culinary arts. “Tourists enjoy the distinct taste of Jamaican food and I’d like to give them more of that. Investing in my own bar and restaurant where I’d use my livestock and produce; employing Jamaicans and contributing to the economy,” Ramharrack continued.

Junior Roberts who is also from very humble beginnings found himself having to work at three part-time jobs just to finance himself on a daily basis. “Winning this scholarship has removed a huge weight from my shoulders. I am very honoured and this for me is a motivational factor to continue to do well and help others do the same,” Roberts said. The young man who once set his sights on becoming a pilot is a firm believer in self-development and has worked with a number of chefs and catering establishments outside of school. Roberts is also convinced that this award will assist him in helping others. “My winning this is not just about me, it’s also about helping others,” Roberts concluded.

UTech senior lecturer Karlene Gordon explained just how much of a challenge it was to present only five nominees since so many students are in need of financial assistance. However, these students were the most deserving. “It is always to reduce the numbers and in this case to present five but UTech and its Hospitality and Tourism students are so grateful for this. Many of our students find it a great challenge to pay the tuition fees, so the Jamaica Observer Food Award Scholarship which also covers books is more than welcome,” she said.

The scholarship programme — which will cover all their final-year expenses — was initiated by the Observer’s lifestyle editor, Novia McDonald-Whyte, who along with CEO Ed Khoury believed that these two young men were most deserving. McDonald-Whyte expressed that it was not just their academic performance or their great need, but the fact that they have already begun to use and further develop their knowledge of the culinary arts by working in the field and doing this with limited resources. The awardees will be guests at the Jamaica Observer Food Awards seminar, which takes place on Wednesday, May 25 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.