THE top girl and boy in this year’s Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) were among 65 secondary and tertiary students who on Tuesday received scholarships valued at $16.3 million from by the Scotia Foundation.

Former St Catherine Preparatory student Catherine Douse, who aced the GSAT exams with 100 per cent passes in all five subjects and was placed at St Jago High School, received the Shining Star Excellence Top Girl Award of over $1.4 million to be paid over seven years.

Chevaugn Campbell, who attended Vaz Preparatory, got the Shining Star Excellence Top Boy award after being placed at Campion College with 100 per cent passes in all areas except integrated science, for which he got 98 per cent.

In celebration of Jamaica 50, Scotiabank awarded 50 bursaries of $50,000 and $150,000 to tertiary and secondary level students, in addition to the 15 scholarships normally awarded to GSAT students.

Among the recipients were 22 new and returning students from the University of West Indies; six from the University of Technology and two each from Church Teachers’ College and the Caribbean Maritime Institute. Also receiving bursaries were students from Montego Bay and Portmore community colleges; College of Agriculture, Science and Education; Mico University College; Moneague College; Northern Caribbean University; the Jamaica Theological Seminary; and Kettering University; as well as students from 10 high schools.

Among the recipients were 22 new and returning students from the University of West Indies; six from the University of Technology and two each from Church Teachers’ College and the Caribbean Maritime Institute. Also receiving bursaries were students from Montego Bay and Portmore community colleges; College of Agriculture, Science and Education; Mico University College; Moneague College; Northern Caribbean University; the Jamaica Theological Seminary; and Kettering University; as well as students from 10 high schools.

Meanwhile, Shanay Thompson, who will be attending Hampton School, and Asia Chung and Kai-Lin Shen, who are heading to Campion College, were each awarded scholarships worth $915,000 payable over five years for being top performers in their counties.

Tuesday, Scotiabank CEO and President Bruce Bowen said the company will continue to celebrate Jamaica’s Independence with staff members wearing costumes to depict aspects of the country’s history and through special Jamaican treats that will be available at the 39 branches across the island.

He also announced that they will provide exposure for entrepreneurs of 50 small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those that produce Jamaican items, by having them show off their products at different branches across the island. He said they will be joined by five young entrepreneurs who excelled in the Junior Achievement Company of Jamaica’s Entrepreneurs programme.

“This period is opportune for us to reflect on the past, resolve to build on gains made, and shed those things which no longer serve us well. The Scotiabank Group is committed to Jamaica and will continue to play our part in serving our customers as they strive for growth and advancement,” he said.