TWENTY-FOUR prominent students were recently awarded the United States Ambassador’s Academic Achievement Award (USAAAA).

These students who were from the five corporate area schools: Balcombe Drive Primary & Junior High, Charlie Smith High, Edith Dalton James High, Kingston College and St Hugh’s High schools. They were awarded in five categories.

The students, who received the highest award — Most Outstanding Student were: Tara-Lee Davis of Balcombe Drive Primary & Junior High School; Oshene Edwards of Charlie Smith High School; Sonya Thompson of Edith Dalton James High School; Daimion Jackson of Kingston College and Alessandria Clare of St Hugh’s High School. They received the highest average at their institutions this academic year.

The runner-up awardees for the Most Outstanding Students were: Kascine Nation, Jheanelle Ballentyne, Santash Gray, Daron Harrison and Natasia Shields.

In the category of Best Performance in Mathematics or Science: Britni Bent, Je-Vaughn, Brandon Lee, Andre Thorpe and Kevine Heslop were awarded for their outstanding performance in the subject.

In the category of Best Performance in English Language or Literature: Sofhia Anderson, Gideon Thompson, Ester Ehikhamer, Danni-Lee McKoy and Dajour Collins were awarded.

Only four students of the five institutions were given awards in the category of Most Improved Student. They were: Damario Johnson, Gordon Smith, Andreno Graham and Britney Marshall.

The USAAAA ceremony took place on July 1 at the United States Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. The USAAAA is a new initiative by Pamela Bridgewater. The aim of the awards is to celebrate and encourage students who have achieved excellence throughout the academic year in selected institutions across the island.

On June 27, 24 students were also awarded from Mona High School, Camperdown High School, Ardenne High School, Campion College and Jamaica College.

At the start of the upcoming academic year, students from approximately 40 schools within the 14 parishes will receive awards for their achievements.

— Ainsworth Morris