KINGSTON, Jamaica — Seventeen-year-old Jaison McIntosh, a recent graduate of Westlake High School in Thornwood, New York and a second-generation Jamaican by birth, is overjoyed after recently winning the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition.

Organised by UJAA, the competition celebrates Jamaican heritage and is open to US high school seniors of Jamaican descent. Now in its 35th year, the competition aims to inspire students to share their perspectives and personal experiences with different cultures. The prize, a trip to Jamaica, offers winners an opportunity to deepen their connection to Jamaican life and culture.

McIntosh, who is now attending the State University of New York at Albany and majoring in accounting with an interest in finance, credited his mother for encouraging him to enter the competition.

“My mom brought up the idea, and at first, I was hesitant because I didn’t really want to write an essay. But she kept advocating, saying it was a great opportunity, and I should take advantage of it,” he shared.

His efforts paid off when he was announced as one of the top prize winners, earning two tickets to Jamaica.

“My heart was beating as they read the names. I thought maybe I didn’t win anything. Then they got to the two tickets to Jamaica and I heard my name. It was so exciting — we were all screaming, and my mike was still on, so they could hear everything!” he recalled.

While in Jamaica, McIntosh made a courtesy visit to the Jamaica National (JN) Foundation team, who congratulated him on his achievement. The JN Foundation, which focuses on youth, education and the Diaspora, has supported UJAA for many years, providing winners with opportunities to engage with Jamaican professionals and gain exposure to the country’s business sector.

Chevanese Peters, project coordinator at the JN Foundation, encouraged McIntosh to keep his options open as he pursues his interests in music and finance.

“You can focus on one or all; you have the benefit of youth. But set your foundation right, as that provides security and the freedom to make choices later,” she advised.

Sydoney Preddie, lead for Youth and Education Programmes at the JN Foundation, also offered McIntosh advice, emphasising patience.

“By your final year of study, you gain greater clarity as you prepare to enter your professional field, as you’ll be more mature and better equipped to make decisions about your career path,” she said.

For McIntosh, returning to Jamaica was a fantastic experience. His parents, Garnet and Patrice Neil-McIntosh, both Jamaicans, were equally proud of their son.

During the meeting, McIntosh passionately expressed his deep love for Jamaica, recounting his experiences both in Jamaica and abroad as a proud Jamaican descendant. His reflections painted a vivid picture of his connection to his heritage, highlighting the cultural influences such as reggae music that have shaped his journey. He also shared that he was documenting his visit with his camera.

Reflecting on his heritage, McIntosh encouraged other Jamaican students to participate in the competition.

“Just write about your experiences, what you grew up with, and your culture. Be yourself and write about yourself,” he advised.

The UJAA is a non-profit umbrella organisation representing more than 60 alumni associations of Jamaican schools and other educational institutions. It continues to foster connections among students of Jamaican heritage through initiatives like this competition.