THE S Hotel in St Andrew became a gathering place for 20 young Jamaicans whose paths to success were anything but easy, and whose future now carry the promise of something far greater than themselves.

The occasion was an intimate brunch hosted by the Supreme Ventures Foundation (SVF) to honour a cohort of former wards of the State who, in 2021, were awarded full tertiary scholarships as part of the company’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Now university graduates, having earned bachelor’s degrees in fields including nursing, social work, marketing, communication, logistics and supply management, education, music and performance arts, and actuarial science, they returned not only to celebrate academic achievement, but to reflect on a journey defined by resilience and the life-changing impact of sustained corporate investment in Jamaica’s youth.

The SVF scholarship programme provided comprehensive four-year support, covering tuition, accommodation, stipends, and other essential expenses.

More importantly, it removed barriers that too often stand between potential and opportunity, particularly for some of the country’s most vulnerable youth.

Christopher Dawes, a graduate of Shortwood Teachers’ College, reflected on what that support meant to him.

“Without the assistance of the Supreme Ventures Foundation, I’m not sure how I would have completed my studies. The foundation’s support gave us not only financial relief, but also a sense of assurance and motivation when we were feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, allowing us to remain focused on our goals. I will honour this investment by contributing meaningfully to others and to Jamaica,” said Dawes.

For many of the scholars, university was about far more than lectures and exams; it was about rewriting narratives and carrying the weight of expectations far beyond their own.

Being a scholarship recipient often means bearing the hopes of entire families and communities.

Scholarship recipient Duvere Ford captured this reality as he said, “At times, the responsibility felt heavy knowing so many people believed in me, but it also pushed me to stay focused and give my best. The Supreme Ventures Foundation didn’t just provide financial support; they gave me reassurance, encouragement, and the confidence to keep going.”

His words speak to the heart of the foundation’s approach. Beyond funding, SVF intentionally created a support system around its scholars, including annual “Pep Up” sessions, fostering not only academic success but also emotional resilience and personal development throughout their university journey.

Underscoring this commitment, the brunch brought together senior leaders from Supreme Ventures Limited alongside key partners from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), all of whom have played a role in supporting the scholars’ journeys.

Among those in attendance were Heather Goldson, director of the Supreme Ventures Foundation and chief marketing officer of Supreme Ventures Limited; Stefan Miller, CEO of Supreme Ventures Gaming; Chloleen Daley-Muschett, SVL assistant vice-president, public relations, and corporate communications; Kristen Laing, public relations and communications manager at CPFSA; and Jacqueline Anderson-Robinson, transitional living programme coordinator at CPFSA.

Their presence reinforced a message — that these young graduates are supported not only by a programme, but by a network of institutions committed to their success, proof of what is possible when the public and private sectors come together to invest in Jamaica’s future.

In her remarks, Goldson congratulated the cohort on completing their programmes and encouraged them to pay it forward.

“You have worked hard to get here, and you should be proud of what you’ve achieved. As you take your next steps, we encourage you to carry forward the spirit of giving back. The support you’ve received is meaningful, and it places you in a unique position to uplift others. Whether through mentorship, sharing your experiences, or simply leading with integrity and compassion, you have the power to make a difference.

“Paying it forward ensures that the cycle of opportunity continues, reaching others who, like you, only need a chance to thrive,” added Goldson.

Supreme Ventures Foundation scholarship recipient Duvere Ford (left) receives a commemorative award from Heather Goldson, director of the Supreme Ventures Foundation and chief marketing officer of Supreme Ventures Limited. 

Kristen Laing, public relations and communications manager for the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, delivers remarks to the scholars at the Supreme Ventures Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Pre-Graduation Brunch at the S Hotel

Scholarship recipient Nishka Noble (right) shares a warm smile as she accepts her award from Stefan Miller, CEO of Supreme Ventures Gaming, ahead of her graduation.