TWENTY-SIX student teachers at The Mico University College will benefit from scholarships totalling some $2.5 million from both alumni members and the private sector to pursue their various areas of study for the upcoming academic year.

The handing-over ceremony was held November 19 during the college’s general assembly.

The students who received the scholarships and bursaries are among a cadre of teachers in training studying in the areas of mathematics and science education, guidance and counselling, social studies, early childhood education, industrial technology, history and culture, among other areas.

Professor Claude Packer, Mico president, thanked the donors for having faith in Mico and assured them that the funds donated will be utilised to create teachers to nurture young people who will have a national impact.

The private sector donors included Tastee Limited, Mayberry Investments Limited (in memory of the late Maurice Berry who was a Miconian), Kemtek Development and Construction Company Limited (donated by Miconian Sylvester Tulloch), Gore Developments Limited (in memory of Miconian James F Gore), Carreras Limited, and justices of the peace in St Ann.

Professor Packer lauded the alumni members who have given back to their alma mater, and described them as persons who have provided leadership both locally and globally.

He urged the recipients to develop a sense of volunteerism and service to humankind, as that was what defined the spirit of Mico.

Among the scholarships and bursaries presented in memory of alumni by family members were the Arthur Grant Memorial Scholarship in memory of the late distinguished vice-principal of Mico; the Desmond Gascoigne Memorial Scholarship in memory of the late Miconian and JTA president; the Douglas Stoddart Scholarship; the Renford Shirley Scholarship in memory of the late principal of Mico and the late Lillith Crawford, past lecturer of Mico. Other scholarships were donated by Miconians Norma Lea Ellis-Wright; Beverley Sailsman; Batches 1963 and 1974; Professor Edwin Jones and his wife Maria; Doreen Collins-Smith; as well as The Mico Old Students Association in partnership with Miconian Custos Steadman Fuller.