MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Manchester Co-operative Credit Union Limited (MCCU) celebrated academic achievement and youth empowerment as it honoured 25 outstanding students at its 2026 PEP Bursary Awards Luncheon held on August 25.

Hosted at Neil’s Auditorium in Mandeville under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Empowering the Next Generation”, the event brought together bursary recipients, parents, guardians, educators, MCCU representatives and specially invited guests to recognise students who excelled in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations while demonstrating a strong commitment to saving.

Each of the 25 awardees received a bursary valued at $25,000, representing a total investment of $625,000 in the students’ educational journey. MCCU said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting youth development and creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive.

Delivering the keynote address, Jamaica Library Service Regional Director Lorraine McLean encouraged the students to embrace the opportunities ahead and remain dedicated to achieving excellence throughout their academic careers.

Reflecting on the event’s theme, McLean shared the Jamaican proverb, “one, one cocoa full basket”, as she gave the awardees the charge to remain resilient by working consistently and diligently.

She encouraged the awardees to build their futures through simple but impactful habits, including completing homework, showing up early for school and doing a little extra reading to keep ahead of their classes.

“Excellence is not about being perfect. Excellence is about showing up, being focused and driven and putting in the necessary work to achieve your best,” McLean said.

Adding a special touch to the celebration were the musical selections by the 2026 Jamaica Gospel Star winner, Chantal Smalling-Stephenson. Her uplifting renditions created an atmosphere of celebration and inspiration, captivating the audience and adding to the memorable experience for the awardees and guests.