ST JAMES, Jamaica— Tyrique Richardson, one of the 42 recipients of scholarships from the Cornwall College Class of 1985, says the award has encouraged him to work harder and to do his best during his stay at the Montego Bay institution.

Tyrique and his father, Sherman, were beaming last Friday during the function held at the school’s chapel where more than $2 million was disbursed to students and teachers.

“I feel very happy that I can make both my parents proud and this can really help him out,” Tyrique said, referring to his father. “This gives me a big push and motivation to work harder.”

The elder Richardson said he was “overwhelmed and happy” when he heard about the scholarship for his son.

“This scholarship means a lot to me, from a financial stand point, in regards to getting his books, taxi fare etc, and this also motivates me to push forward,” Tyrique’s father said.

Friday’s event marked the resumption of the programme that began five years ago. It included two named scholarships; the Stafford Barrett Memorial scholarship, commemorating a member of the Cornwall College Class of 1985, who passed earlier this year, and the Odaine Medley Memorial scholarship which goes to a student coming from St James Prep School and matriculating to Cornwall College.

Jonovi Gayle and Kyle Fletcher were awarded the Stafford Barrett scholarship for the arts and young Tyrique Richardson got the Odaine Medley award.

Richardson’s father, who hails from the Rise Hall area, said, “I was very overwhelmed and proud, but I was always there for him, being the backbone of what the father should do and when I heard about it I was very happy.”