FOUR final-year University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management students were on Monday presented with Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards scholarships and bursaries as the event marks its 25th staging.

“Focus on your competitive advantage. The industry has evolved and it is up to you all to continue to elevate the narrative around the industry. Do not just generalise but approach the industry with the requisite data and knowledge,” Food Awards Chair Novia McDonald-Whyte told the students as she announced the recipients.

The scholarships and bursaries come courtesy of The Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards Committee, chaired by McDonald-Whyte.

Future culinarian Abigail Edwards earned the Novia McDonald-Whyte Scholarship after impressing the panel with her determination to succeed.

She leaves her home in May Pen, Clarendon, at 4:30 am each weekday to get to UTech on time, often having to make a choice between lunch money or bus fare for her return journey home. Against all odds, Edwards has maintained a consistently high GPA.

The well-prepared Jada Phillips impressed the committee with her excellent GPA, sound knowledge of the industry, and the roles she plans to play as an event planner and pastry chef.

Bursaries were awarded to Malika Crosdale and Jason Clarke.

In addition to full tuition, Red Stripe, through its D&G Foundation, will provide all four scholarship and bursary recipients with book grants valued $250,000 per student.

A feature of the scholarship programme is automatic placement as part of the crew for the annual awards slated for Thursday, June 27 at Devon House.

The students will also have the opportunity to attend today’s Foodie Seminar at Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St Andrew.