“GRATEFUL, motivated, and proud,” were the sentiments expressed by five exceptional JN Foundation Scholarship recipients who were recognised as the top scholars in their respective cohort for the last academic year.

The scholars were recognised by the JN Foundation during its annual ‘Top of the Class’ luncheon, recently.

The luncheon served as more than just a celebration of the students’ educational achievements; it also served as a platform to recognise their hard work while fostering connections and building a supportive network to encourage continued success.

Beyond the presentation of trophies, certificates, and keepsakes, the students also benefited from individual lifelong motivational insights and valuable advice shared by the JN Group senior management team, adding significant value to their accomplishments.

The recipients, who were hosted at the JN Corporate Offices on Oxford Road, New Kingston, were Zane Thompson and Khalil Mair, both of Campion College in St Andrew; Taevion Morgan of deCarteret College in Manchester; and Zhane’ Morrison of Manchester High School.

The fifth recipient, Rachel Hazle of Mount Alvernia High School in St James, was unable to attend the event but was recognised for her hard work.

Mair was full of joy and appreciation. “I’m really happy and grateful to the JN Foundation for this recognition,” he said. “I feel really appreciated.”

Morgan, a repeat awardee, spoke of his pride and the motivation the scholarship provides.

“I’m proud of myself, and it really motivates me to keep on working because I know there’s at least some reward at the end of it,” the aspiring software engineer and programmer shared as he encouraged other students to remain determined:

“It might not be the easiest thing in the world, but if you put your effort and time into it, it’s going to pay off in the end,” added Morgan.

Morrison reflected on her surprise at being recognised despite initial struggles.

“At the start of school, I didn’t think I was doing well because my grades were lower than I was used to,” she admitted. “But I’m really happy I managed to be recognised for it. I hope to do my best this year and next year,” said Morrison as she advised fellow students: “Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just try your best.”

Parris Lyew-Ayee, chairman of the JN Foundation, lauded the scholars as the “crème de la crème” of a competitive pool of 170 students in the scholarship programme and called them to channel their talents toward building a better future.

“You are the architects and builders of tomorrow,” said Lyew-Ayee as he emphasised the need for resilience, compassion, and leadership to address global challenges, such as climate change and globalisation.

Lyew-Ayee said the luncheon was more than a celebration of academic achievements, it served as a call to action for the scholars to envision and build a better future.

Reflecting on his experiences, Lyew-Ayee shared anecdotes from his formative years as he emphasised the importance of character and integrity alongside academic accomplishment.

“Success without integrity is short-lived. True leadership is about service,” he said, encouraging the scholars to uplift others as they ascend in their careers.

He challenged the awardees to, “Use your talents and education to shape a better world. Be relentless in your pursuit of excellence, not just for yourselves but for the communities you will lead.”

The scholars’ parents were also recognised for their support.

“Behind every high-achieving student is a family and support system that believes in them, even in difficult times,” Lyew-Ayee said as he pointed to the critical role of encouragement and sacrifice in shaping students’ success.

The JN Foundation five-year scholarship programme has been ongoing since 1983 benefiting hundreds of students over the years.