KINGSTON, Jamaica — GraceKennedy Foundation (GKF) has awarded more than $31 million in scholarships to 91 university students from the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMC), and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU).

The awards were presented during a special ceremony held on Thursday, October 9 at UTech, where students, parents, educators, and GraceKennedy executives gathered to celebrate the scholars’ achievements.

Chair of the GraceKennedy Foundation, Professor Julie Meeks-Gardner, commended the recipients for their academic excellence and leadership potential. “GraceKennedy scholarships are special. You were chosen from among hundreds, not only for your academic excellence but also for your character, leadership, and promise. As scholarship recipients, you carry the GraceKennedy legacy. You wear a badge that says, ‘We Care’,” she said.

GraceKennedy Group Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Messado, welcomed the new scholars to the GK family, highlighting the company’s long-standing commitment to education and nation building.

“For over four decades, the GraceKennedy Foundation has supported students just like you — bright, determined, and ready to lead,” he said. “You are part of a proud tradition of scholars who have gone on to excel in so many areas. Now it is your turn to step into that legacy.”

Messado also encouraged the recipients to uphold GraceKennedy’s core values of honesty, integrity, trust, commitment, humility, and respect as they pursue their goals.

Keynote speaker, Nicolene Cameron, a former GK/UTech scholar and now economics and planning coordinator at Petrojam shared her personal journey and encouraged students to give back.

“You’re here today because someone chose to give back,” she said. “As you grow into who you’re meant to be, remember to do the same. Greatness is already within you, and it’s expected of you. I’m here to remind you that with positivity, planning and purpose, you can shape your own path,” said Cameron.

Over the past 43 years, the GraceKennedy Foundation has invested more than $500 million in scholarships, benefiting hundreds of Jamaican families. Applications for the annual awards open each year from May 1 to June 30. More information is available at http://www.gracekennedy.com.

Justin Preddie (second from right), recipient of the inaugural GraceKennedy/Don Wehby Scholarship, established in honour of the late Hon. Don Wehby, OJ, former Group CEO of GraceKennedy, receives his award from Stephanie Wehby, daughter of Mr. Wehby (second left); Suzette Mullings-Douglas, Vice Principal of St. George’s College (far left); and Radcliffe Daley, President & CEO of First Global Bank and a Director of the GraceKennedy Foundation (far right), during the GraceKennedy Foundation Scholars’ Awards Ceremony on October 9, 2025.

Professor Julie Meeks, Chair, GraceKennedy Foundation (left) and Andrew Messado, CFO, GraceKennedy Limited (right), present a special award to Zantaye Thomas (centre), 2022 GraceKennedy/ Jamaica Scholar, in recognition of her outstanding dedication to the GK Campus Connect Programme, at the 2025 GraceKennedy Foundation Scholars’ Awards Ceremony on October 9, 2025.