KINGSTON, Jamaica — In 2001, Ryan Jones became the first recipient of the Burger King National Scholarship Programme. Now, more than two decades later, he is reflecting on the impact it has had on his life.

“I am proud to say that I am an example of the transformational impact of this scholarship programme,” Jones told Observer Online at the 25th Burger King National Scholarship Programme Awards ceremony on August 25. “The scholarship was a difference maker for me. It changed the course of our family, because receiving the scholarship was a pivotal moment for us and I’m really grateful for everything that Burger King has done for me.”

Now 36 years old, the University of West Indies graduate is an accountant at Petrojam Limited. Married and the father of two daughters, Jones is an active member of his church.

He said the scholarship he received 24 years ago came at a time when his parents were going through a rough patch financially.

“My father, Orville, was a driver with Stewart’s Auto and my mother worked at a factory. We were living in a two-bedroom house in Whitfield Town in Kingston 13 at the time,” he shared. “I am a product of parents who had bold ambitions for me. I distinctly recalled getting the call many years ago, and when Miss Nadine Pearson from Burger King informed us that we won the scholarship, I immediately saw my father’s face. It was like a big weight was lifted from him.”

Jones said the scholarship was timely as it came at the start of a new school term when he was about to enter Wolmer’s Boys High School.

“It’s funny, because we were just working out what everything would cost, so the feeling was one of relief and joy, vindication,” he recalled. “It was a really a proud moment for me, because Wolmer’s Boys is my father’s alma mater. The scholarship at the time was valued at $25,000 and in those days, that was a lot of money. It was for the entirety of my high school life up to sixth form. It took care of school fees, books, uniforms and it still left money to help out with transportation.”

In her remarks, Nadia Kiffin Green, head of sales and marketing at Burger King, noted that the occasion was about more than just the 25th anniversary.

“For us at Burger King, we’re celebrating more than just an anniversary. We are proudly reflecting on how a single act of support as demonstrated by our late founders, Lois Lake Sherwood and Rodwell Lake, can grow into a lasting investment in our nation’s future,” she told a gathering at the Terra Nova hotel in Kingston where more than 33 students pursuing studies at secondary and tertiary institutions, were presented with scholarships.

Since its inception, the Burger King National Scholarship Programme has awarded more than $106 million in scholarships. This year, more than $11 million in scholarships were presented to students.

“When the Burger King National Scholarship Programme began 25 years ago, the vision was simple, yet powerful; to provide opportunities for bright, hardworking Jamaican students to achieve their dreams. Over the years, that vision has blossomed to primary, secondary, tertiary, and covering not just academics, but arts and sports. Over $100 million in scholarships and bursaries has been invested to date,” Kiffin-Green disclosed.