JEVONNIE Fennell has been living Kingston College’s motto “Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest”, a Latin phrase that translates to “The brave may fall but never yield”, even before he started attending the North-Street based institution several years ago.

Fennell grew up in the Drewsland, Waterhouse community with his parents and siblings. The St Jude’s Primary School past student said his parents worked hard to ensure that he had a good education; however, despite their best efforts, there were still financial constraints.

“I always wanted to attend Kingston College because I envisioned that I would have a solid foundation that would be a catalyst for me to accomplish my dreams. It was indeed a building block for me, and I learned so many leadership qualities that helped to mould me into the man that I am today,” Fennell said.

While a student at St Jude’s Primary School, Fennell developed an interest in the sciences, especially mathematics. At this stage he was also fascinated with dismantling and rebuilding items in his home. “I always wanted to find out how things worked, and to go further to find out why they worked in that way,” Fennell said.

“I remember once I removed the back of the television, and instead of being surprised at what I saw, I was amazed. Of course I did not fully understand how to reassemble it, and felt the wrath of my parents, but being that adventurous bolstered my curiosity and confidence,” Fennell said.

While at Kingston College his leadership qualities were tested. He was the president of the Math Club from first to sixth form, and started the Engineering Club at the institution — a club that is still in operation at the school.

Fennell was also very successful in his Caribbean Examination Council and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams. With his prolific scores and profiles he was immediately accepted into the Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Engineering at Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

“It was challenging, but I enjoyed every moment. It provided the opportunity to put theory into practice, and apply critical thinking,” Fennell said.

It was while he was in his second year at CMU that Fennell was introduced to the J Wray & Nephew Foundation (JWNF) scholarship programme. “I fit right in — I am from a community surrounding their operations, I have great grades, and I really needed the financial assistance to complete my studies,” he said.

He was selected as one of the first Master Blender Awardee’s in 2017. He maintained academic excellence for three consecutive years, ultimately earning the Chairman’s Award for Exceptional Scholars with a 3.721 grade point avergae (GPA).

“I was grateful — I didn’t have to worry about paying tuition and fees; I just had to make sure that my grades were excellent. The JWN Foundation invested in my future, and I definitely made every opportunity of it. As a young man from the Waterhouse community their assistance is one of the greatest feelings. They believed in me,” Fennell said.

His objective, he said, is to provide for his family. And even though he still has a long way to go he is grateful that JWNF’s initial investment is already bearing fruit.

Fennell is currently employed to J Wray & Nephew Limited as a mechanical engineer. In another two years he wants to complete his master’s degree and be actively engaged in a management role in the company’s operation.

Garfene Grandison, general manager of the JWN Foundation, emphasised the strategic importance of nurturing local talent like Fennell. “Jevonnie’s journey exemplifies why investing in education within our surrounding communities is not just corporate responsibility — it’s smart business. The rum-making process at our parent company, J Wray & Nephew, requires sophisticated STEM expertise. By supporting brilliant minds from communities like Waterhouse through our scholarship programme we’re building a pipeline of skilled professionals who understand both the technical demands and cultural heritage of our operations. Jevonnie’s transition from scholarship awardee to mechanical engineer at JWN demonstrates the tangible returns of investing in local education. Jevonnie brings not just technical excellence but also a deep connection to the community that has been part of our legacy for generations.”

With his added enthusiasm Fennell said he will continue to volunteer teaching mathematics to individuals who are in need. “I have had students that did not like mathematics, and after their examinations they received grade one or two,” he said.