Lascelles Chin (second right), founder and executive chairman of the LASCO group, beams with pride after presenting a symbolic cheque for $150,000 to 13-year-old St Thomas Technical High School student Amarsha Wright (left) and her mother, Amrine Allen (second left). Sharing in the moment are Principal of St Thomas Technical Laura Levy, and Minister of Health, Dr Fenton Ferguson, who is also member of parliament for St Thomas East, where the school is located.

Dr Ferguson has also pledged to assist with other areas of the student’s school affairs.

LASCO has committed to covering the entire school expense of the child for the next four years, following the publishing of a story by the Sunday Observer on May 25, which highlighted her plight in getting to school and being properly nourished, obstacles that did not prevent her from topping her grade seven class of 54.

“The full scholarship will run for the entire period of her time at the St Thomas Technical High School that she attends,” Chin said at the handing-over ceremony held in Kingston last Friday.

Chin also hinted that, based upon her performance at high school, there was a possibility of the company helping her through university.

Kelia-Gaye Dunbar, LASCO’s marketing manager, said that the sponsorship will cover school fees, books, lunch weekly, travelling expenses, uniform, shoes and stationery for the child.

Ferguson said the fact that the child goes to school without breakfast daily but was still able to overcome her circumstances and top her class of 54 is something that must be commended. (PHOTO: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)