Students of Jessie Ripoll Primary, Orion Isaacs, and Ardenne High School, Juve McKenzie, scored big in the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) annual Heritage Essay Competition, and the inaugural poster competition, respectively.

The two students placed first in the competitions, and received trophies, certificates, as well as cash prizes sponsored by corporate entities, at the 2014 awards ceremony, held today (March 6), at King’s House, in St Andrew.

Placing second and third (Heritage) were students at Yallahs Primary School, Michael Johnson; and Ardenne Preparatory School, Accalia Plummer, respectively.

For the poster competition, second place went to student of Wolmer’s Boys’ School, Ryan Scott; and third to Manchester High School’s Javoannie Robinson.

The JIS had requested students aged nine to 12 years to respond to the question ‘Which Heritage Site is Most Significant? And Why?’

Orion Isaacs won in the essay segment for his piece on the history of Port Royal, and Juve, for his poster on people who have pushed through hardships.

Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, who delivered the keynote address, said the competitions motivate young people to conduct research on the nation’s culture and heritage, and also “encourage talent and foster creativity through depiction of our rich diverse heritage”;.

He told the students that the competitions would inspire them to make their mark and contribution to the country.

“I want you to always believe in yourselves… you have done well. I hope that the competition has awakened in you a thirst for learning, and you will remember that learning never ends,” the Governor-General said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the JIS, Donna Marie Rowe, explained that competitions are geared at providing an “avenue for adolescents to express their ideas about Jamaica’s history and culture, particularly about Independence and Emancipation”.

Commending the creative work of the students, who also received certificates in the various categories, Rowe said it was “quite an experience viewing our heritage sites from a child’ perspective. Our writers took us all over Jamaica; we journeyed through the centuries”.

She thanked the sponsors for their contribution. “Your generosity has guaranteed the success of the competitions,” the CEO said.