JAMALCO has awarded 28 secondary and tertiary-level students from its operating areas with bursaries and scholarships valued at $3.5 million for the 2014/2015 academic year.

The awards were announced during a ceremony at the Wembley Centre of Excellence on July 29. The beneficiaries were selected based on established need and academic performance.

Speaking at the ceremony, Manager of Corporate Services and Government Affairs, Leo Lambert, said that despite the challenges in the industry, Jamalco has remained steadfast in its commitment to education.

He noted that for the past six years, the company has contributed over $50 million to education. Lambert said the company continues to support educational programmes because this is the safest ticket to upward social mobility.

He urged the awardees to apply themselves and use the opportunity to become anything they want to be.

“You will have to make sacrifices because nothing good happens without a little pain,” he said.

In his charge, Lambert urged the recipients never to allow anyone to define who they are or to erect boundaries as to what they can achieve.

“Dare to be different by challenging existing norms and by creating your own path,” he added.

Representative of the Mocho Community Council, Oniel Gayle, applauded Jamalco for investing in the students. He urged the students to make the best use of the opportunity.

Refinery Council Representative Benjamin Beale also implored the students to work hard as this opportunity will not come again.

“Use it wisely,” he said, “so that Jamalco will see the need to expand the programme.”

An appreciative two-time scholarship recipient Relesha Timoll applauded Jamalco for recognising the needs of the students and reaching out to them. She encouraged her fellow awardees to use the opportunity wisely.

“Each of us here today holds the future in our hands; we determine what path we want to take in life, so do your best.”

Rosheika Grant, who was awarded a scholarship for the second year in a row, thanked Jamalco for affording her the opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Andre Hibbert, who also received a scholarship for the second year, urged the students to remember their goals no matter the circumstances. He also expressed gratitude to Jamalco for facilitating his development as an individual, “and if you ask me, developing people is the best way to build a community”.

Forty-seven-year-old Carol-Ann Mitchell, who was the toast of the ceremony, shared her story of triumph and credited her success to Jamalco’s Community Career Enhancement Programme (JCEP).

Two years ago, Mitchell started evening classes through JCEP. She has passed six subjects and will move on to the University of Technology in August.

“My story shows that you should never give up. I am going to achieve my dream and I applaud Jamalco’s commitment to creating change through their educational programmes.”

Over 150 students have benefited from the scholarship awards programme since its inception six years ago.

Rosheika Grant is all smiles as she accepts her scholarship letter from member of the Refinery Community Council Faithlyn Gentles.

A proud Carol-Ann Mitchell accepts her scholarship commitment letter from Community Relations Officer Natalee Irving.

Manager of Corporate Services & Government Affairs Leo Lambert presents a commitment letter to second-year student at the University of Technology, Relesha Timoll.