FOUR Cari-med Limited Employees were granted scholarships toward continuing their education as the company celebrated 25 years on Saturday.

The awardees were Michael Jackson, purchasing assistant and an accounting student at the University of Technology; Ava Thompson, an administrative assistant in the human resource department who is pursuing a degree in human resources at the University College of the Caribbean (UCC); Credit Assistant Tamika Darby, an information technology student at UCC; and Sherice McKoy, a business systems analyst, who is pursuing a degree in information service at Excelsior Community College.

Jackson and Thompson were awarded full scholarships of $150,000, each while Darby and McKoy were granted half scholarships of $75,000, each.

They were presented with their prizes during a long service awards ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

“It goes a long way in helping me moving forward as it relates to uplifting myself. It is good when you see a company helping someone to uplift their personal goals, and I am really grateful,” said an elated Jackson, who in 13 years meandered through the ranks from the warehouse to the purchasing department.

A similar response was given by an equally overjoyed McKoy, though she did not receive a long-service award having only served the company for just under six years.

“I feel very good, indeed, because it was the perfect timing for me with every thing that is going on with me right now. I am very happy about it,” she said.

A total of 78 employees who had served the company for 10 years or longer were recognised at Saturday’s ceremony. Of the number, 44 persons were awarded for 10-14 years service, 26 for 15-19 years, and eight for 20-25 years.

But the spotlight belonged to Norma Burke, information technology manager; and Vivinne Walker, customer service manager; who have been with the company since its inception. Both women were awarded with gift baskets, custom-made clocks, and a special congratulations from Cari-Med managing director, Dr Glenford Christian.

“Today, I stand here humbled but beaming with pride as I think of all that this organisation has been able to achieve in the last two decades. Undoubtedly, the source of our success is our creator, who has blessed us with a team of hard-working dedicated employees, and valuable customers and business partners,” said Christian.

“I say a special thank you to the 78 employees who we are honouring tonight for their invaluable service spanning 10-25 years. We are grateful that you chose to develop your professional careers at Cari-Med, and are thankful for the hard work, unique skills, expertise, and priceless contributions you have poured into this company, he continued.