The Osmond Tomlinson Scholarship Trust continues to provide financial support to students 15 years after it was first launched to honour the legacy of former Custos of St Ann who died in 1998.

The trust, which has been providing financial support for students in St Ann since 2001, awards an annual three-year scholarship to a high school student from the parish, as well as a one time bursary to a student attending the University of the West Indies Open Campus in Ocho Rios. This year’s scholarship recipient is Ntini Edwards, a student of St Hilda’s Diocesan High School.

An overwhelmed Edwards expressed appreciation for the scholarship.

“Thank you very much for this privilege. I will not let you down,” she said.

This year’s bursary recipient Oscareen Mignott was also ecstatic about receiving financial assistance.

“I am really overwhelmed. I know you won’t be let down because I go all out for excellence,” she said. Mignott said she was contemplating how to finance her education when she was made aware of the bursary.

The trust was formed in honour of the former Custos because of his belief in the great importance of education.

Speaking at the award ceremony held at the Sandals Royal Plantation recently, Dr Osmond Tomlinson Jnr, a trustee and the son of the former Custos , said his father was a stickler for education.

“He always reinforced the idea that gaining a good education was the single most important endeavour of every child” he said.

Dr Tomlinson told persons attending the scholarship award ceremony that the Trust will only get stronger in the years ahead as it continues to assist students. He pointed out that the students are not only awarded scholarships because they are in need of assistance, but also because they are expected to continue to do well in school. He noted that all the recipients have gone on to do well over the years, and have moved on to attain tertiary level education.

Although only one three-year scholarship was awarded, several students from the eight government high schools across the parish were also given assistance.

Ilene Manning, one of the trustees of the Osmond Tomlinson Scholarship Trust said she was happy it has continued uninterrupted for so long. “I’m really pleased that you have kept this organisation going for the last 14 years,” she said.

Cieanna Smith, attorney-at-Law at Abendana & Abendana, won the scholarship in 2002. She has been the coordinator for all the Trust activities for the past five years. She encouraged the students to stay focused and continue to work assiduously to achieve their goals.

“I am committed to the Trust. Serving is something I sincerely love. Every year is a new opportunity to work with bright, confident young Jamaicans, ” she said, adding, I will continue assisting the Trust in whichever way I can.”

She was also presented with a special prize for her continued hard work and commitment to the Trust.

Jamaica Festival Queen 2012 Kemesha Kelly, the scholarship recipient in 2003, was the guest speaker at the event. “When you come from humble beginnings, there will be many obstacles, but you should have steely resilience,” Kelly encouraged the students present at the scholarship awards ceremony.

“It is necessary for you to do well,” Kelly who is from humble beginnings shared her experience with those attending, encouraging the students to excel. “It is not just an option to do well, it is a necessity,” she pointed out.

Both Smith and Kelly were commended for their achievements and their continue support of youth development in Jamaica.

Member of Parliament Gregory Mair, Custos of St Ann Norman Walters and immediate past Custos, Radcliffe Walters were also distinguished guests at the luncheon.