FOR 12-year-old Kiyana Hayles, receiving a JN Foundation scholarship was a surprise and a source of immense pride.

The St Mary resident, now a first-form student at St Hilda’s Diocesan High School, admitted she had almost given up hope of being selected.

“I didn’t think that I would get it,” Kiyana said as she explained that a long period had passed since her mother submitted the application hence, she doubted that she was the scholarship winner.

She recalled being in her room when her mother delivered the news to her and the sense of accomplishment she experienced.

“I was happy. It made me feel excited and proud of myself, because I knew that most persons when they apply for scholarships, they don’t get it,” shared Kiyana.

The scholarship, which will provide support for five years, was equally welcome news for her mother, Dawn Martin, who operates a food café in Galina, St Mary.

“I am so elated, I’m so grateful because sometimes it’s really hard so that will come in really handy,” said Martin.

According to Martin, based on Kiyana’s performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP), she knew she stood a good chance of getting the scholarship.

Martin related that it was a cousin of hers who shared the scholarship applications details with her and encouraged her to apply.

In addition to the scholarship award to Kiyana, the JN Foundation awarded five-year scholarships to 36 other students.

Fourteen recipients are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who gained the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services.

With 603 applications received online this year, the JN Foundation Scholarship remains one of the most competitive awards.

The students and/or their parents are required to be a JN member, customer, or client of The Jamaica National Group for at least one year to be eligible for the scholarship award.

Kiyana’s former teacher at Galina Primary Shurdan Anderson, said she had expected Kiyana’s scholarship as she had always been an outstanding student.

“From grade one right up to grade six, she was always first place. Words cannot explain how proud I am of her,” Anderson disclosed. “She was someone who you could depend on. Homework, projects, assignments, and academic work were always done.”

Anderson also pointed out that she was confident that Kiyana would have done well in the PEP and when Kiyana’s mother was in the process of choosing schools, she and another teacher encouraged her to select St Hilda’s.

Academically, Kiyana has always been a standout. A former head girl, she emerged the overall top performer at her school in PEP and earned the Principal’s Award. She was also the valedictorian of her graduating class.

She attributes her academic success to discipline and preparation. Her advice to students preparing for the PEP is simple but impactful.

“Make sure you focus in school; take proper notes, study when you get home, and don’t use your devices often because they can be a distraction.”

Kiyana has quickly adapted to her new environment. She particularly admires her teachers and appreciates the discipline at the school. Although not yet a member of a club, she hopes to join the 4-H and art clubs, driven by her budding passion for drawing.

Her daily routine, however, is not without sacrifice. Every morning, she rises at 4:00 am to prepare for her journey, which involves taking two buses to get to school. Despite the early start, Kiyana remains enthusiastic.

“Sometimes I feel tired, but it doesn’t last. I look forward to school,” she said.

Outside of schoolwork, Kiyana enjoys reading and drawing. She often receives books as gifts especially from her aunt and sometimes reads online. A voracious reader, she sometimes goes through books twice a day, underscoring her love for stories of all genres.

Looking to the future, Kiyana has set her sights on medicine, aspiring to become a paediatrician.

“I would like to help children,” she said, noting that she would be the first doctor in her family. Guided by the Bible scripture in Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ Kiyana believes that determination will carry her toward her dream.

Since the inception of the JN Scholarship Programme in 1983, close to 1,000 students have benefited from financial assistance to pursue their secondary education.