Island Grill founder Thalia Lyn has announced the establishment of a scholarship in the area of technology for a deserving student of her alma mater, Immaculate Conception High School (ICHS).

The Lyn Family/Island Grill Scholarship in Technology, as it is named, was announced at the ICHS Hall of Fame Alumnae Induction benefit gala at Jamaica Pegasus on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Held under the theme ‘Learn, Lead, Lift,’ the gala raises money to enable ICHS maintain its tradition of academic excellence, by ensuring the school is equipped for learning and that as many students as possible have the opportunity to follow their dreams and surpass their goals.

Lyn, who was the first inductee at inaugural Hall of Fame gala in 2013, is known for her philanthropy and passion for empowering young women.

At this year’s event she lauded the school for producing outstanding graduates for more than 166 years, and ensuring they have access to a stellar cadre of role models, mentors and an invaluable network of ‘Big Sisters’ to support them as they embark on their varied career paths.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Margaret Campbell for her service in the field of education; Donette Chin-Loy Chang for community leadership and philanthropy; Cathrine Sani for social services and volunteerism; and Michelle Gyles-McDonnough for international relations and public service.

Steven Woodham received the President’s Award for outstanding service.

Established in 2013 to recognise and honour outstanding ICHS alumnae, the gala is one of the largest networking fund-raisers of the Alumnae Association. This year’s event has an ambitious target of raising $10 million for scholarships.

“Generational success means national success. It means sustainability and security for our nation and generations to come. This is exemplified by ICHS as a pillar of the Jamaican society,” Lyn said at the gala.

“There is immeasurable value in paying it forward. Nation building is incumbent on us remembering on whose shoulders we stood, lifting others on ours as we carry them on that path, illuminated by four Ps: passion, perseverance, planning and purpose.

“Big congrats to our ICHS Alumnae Association for embodying all four Ps in the execution of this gala and by continuously working on projects at our alma mater,” she said.

Island Grill Senior Marketing Officer Denille Ashwood Bahadosingh, who is also an ICHS alumna, said the education she received at the high school laid the perfect foundation for her academic and career growth.

“Our ‘Big Sisters’ from our alumnae, like Mrs Lyn, always aim for the stars
— Ad Astra, Per Apera
— and also stretch out a helping hand along the way, for which I’m extremely grateful,” she said.

Ashwood Bahadosingh committed two of her monthly Island Grill Marketing Voucher allotment to ninth grader Zoelle Jamel who will represent Jamaica at the upcoming Carifta Games.

“We had to ensure that this outstanding student, just named to the national team and heading to the Carifta Games, will ‘Eat Good, Live Good’,” Ashwood Bahadosingh said, utilising the Island Grill tagline.

“We continue our generational empowerment through tokens such as these, educational grants, school supplies, and other initiatives for our staff and communities aimed at supporting Jamaica’s most valuable assets
— its people,” Ashwood Bahadosingh said.