A 3.6 Grade Point Average (GPA) was not an easy feat for Calais Morrison, a first-year accounting major at the University of the West Indies. But the 20-year-old said she was mentally prepared to succeed, not only because of a personal desire to win, but also because it is a renewal condition of the Rainforest Seafoods scholarships that she maintain a minimum of 3.0.

“Tertiary education is very expensive and both my parents are facing financial difficulties so this [scholarship] serves as a big help to us,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The second-time beneficiary said her father does seek loans from a number of financial institutions to ensure she remains in school, but without the financial support offered by Rainforest, her parents would be buried under the pressure of her educational demands.

Morrison is one of 18 students who the company awarded with scholarships at its head office on Slipe Road in Kingston, last Monday.

The scholarship initiative was introduced in 2005 to celebrate the achievements of and to provide financial support for employees’ children who who excel at Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and maintain a ‘B’ average in high school; or those who score a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the university level. The total value of the scholarships this year is $1.5 million. Each GSAT and high school student will receive $40,000, while students at the tertiary level will receive $75,000.

Starting next year, students will have to produce a B+ average in order to qualify for scholarship renewal. Rainforest’s Human Resource Manager Karlene Sutherland explained that the decision to raise the bar was taken to encourage students to aim for better grades.

Speaking with Career & Education, Chief Executive Officer Brian Jardim said the decision to contribute to education is personal because Rainforest Seafoods is a family company.

“We are a company that believes in family. We see parents who just physically keep their children in school [because] they just cannot give them the extra lessons. You have a gifted child and there is nothing worse than being able to take them to the next level. Cash can care and that is what we are seeing here. We must make an effort to give our children that edge in life,” he said.

Sean Patterson, who moved the vote of thanks on behalf of the 2015 cohort of awardees, said the company’s contribution to educational development should be commended. The Titchfield High School student, who recently scored 7 grade ones and a grade 2 in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations said that he will aim to maintain excellence, as he prepares for sixth form.

Patterson’s mother, Suzette Edwards, who works as a sales representative, lauded her employer’s support, especially in light of the fact that she is a single mother struggling to maintain her two boys. She said the company’s interest and investment in her family is a source of encouragement for the extra hours puts in, and pleaded with other companies to replicate the efforts of Rainforest Seafoods so that more children can receive the educational and financial support they need.

“I am grateful that Mr Jardim thought of an idea like this, and while there are efforts being made to raise the bar, I am sure that Sean will be able to pass the mark. The financial support received has helped my family greatly,” she said.

“My focus is to ensure that my boys get the best education that they can, so they may be able to do better than I have done,” she continued, adding that she was grateful that they have continued to excel.

Guest speaker at the event, Conrod Meeks, encouraged students to reach for greatness.

“Today was designed for you. You can achieve anything once you create a clear vision; but you must picture it, feel it, act it, and believe it until it becomes reality,” he charged.