FROM his early years growing up in the Seaview Gardens community in St Andrew, Shevar Johnson knew he was destined for greatness. He’d observe how difficult daily life was for the people living in his community and, even closer to home, his mother’s own struggles to take care of her family.

Johnson developed a very meticulous mindset, and despite the challenges he stayed focused and journeyed towards his dreams.

“From a young age I was exposed to violence and knew the dangers. I stayed indoors, played games, and spent time with my family. I also studied very hard because I wanted to make my mother very proud. I was determined that my siblings and I would have a better life,” he said.

JOHNSON…I have benefited immensely from the assistance of the foundation, and I have ensured that I maintained my grades so that the financial challenges I would have encountered would be minimised

The Camperdown High School alumnus was a straight-A student.

“I always stayed focused in class and I grasped the concepts easily. In addition, I have an excellent memory, and I retained the information in great detail for my examinations. I can easily recall information and apply concepts to the questions,” Johnson recounted.

Initially, he was interested in a career as a biomedical scientist. As someone who is asthmatic, he was motivated to develop and, perhaps, find a cure for asthma. However, he changed direction after completing an aptitude test in the 10th grade.

The test, he said, gauged his strengths and interests, and he realised that, with his strong background in mathematics, his best option was to become an electrical engineer.

“I was strong on mathematics and physics. I received grade one for both subjects at the CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate] level with straight A profiles. I also received distinction for Ad mathematics and pure mathematics and made the list for the top 100 in Jamaica at CAPE [Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination],” Johnson said.

JWN Foundation’s (JWNF) Chairman’s Medal awardee Shevar Johnson (centre) and his beaming mother Lorna Carty (fourth left) with members of the JWNF team (from left) Samara South, Samantha Blake, Dwight Balli, Marsha Haughton, Daniel Caron, and Garfene Grandison during the award ceremony held on September 13 at the head office of the JWN Foundation on Dominica Drive in Kingston.

He is also a proud recipient of the J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation Chairman’s Medal Award. This is the 10th year that he has received a scholarship from the foundation, starting with his impressive performances while in high school.

“It is a rewarding experience to have been selected for so many years. I have benefited immensely from the assistance of the foundation, and I have ensured that I maintained my grades so that the financial challenges I would have encountered would be minimised,” Johnson said.

At 22 years old, Johnson is now in his final year at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH, Ja) completing his studies in electrical and computing engineer. After his studies are complete, he is desirous of becoming gainfully employed at J Wray & Nephew Limited.

“I would like to work in the industry where I can get hands-on experience as it relates to what I have learnt from my education. I also plan to complete a master’s degree and obtain a professional engineering certificate,” Johnson said.

Johnson was among more than 50 tertiary students who received scholarship awards during a J Wray & Nephew Foundation workshop and awards ceremony at the organisation’s corporate offices. JWN Foundation scholarship presentations were a part of the company’s 200th anniversary celebrations that focused on various corporate social responsibility initiatives, including one of its core pillars focusing on education.

His mother, Lorna Carty, who was in attendance, was elated as she yet again witnessed her son achieve another rewarding feat.

“I feel good about his success. When he was growing up, he would do well. He would study and practise every day. I know he will continue to do well,” she said.

Shevar Johnson and his mother Lorna Carty showcasing a few of his awards for academic excellence from the University of Technology, Jamaica.