Five students of Layou have received financial aid in the form of a scholarship and bursaries from Vadeesha John-Brookes, a former resident of the Central Leeward town.
Vakeesha John, John-Brookes’ sister handed over certificates and monies to the students and their parents at the Layou Waterfront, on Saturday, September 16.
Four of the students received bursaries of EC$500.00 each and one student received the first EC$500.00 payout of a five-year scholarship, valued at EC$7,500.00.
Kanda Homer, Krystal Deshong, Miran Jeffers and Ryniah Spencer were the recipients of the bursaries.
Homer and Jeffers attend St. Joseph’s Convent Kingstown, Deshong attends Bishop’s College Kingstown and Spencer attends Central Leeward Secondary School.
Kyle Williams received the full scholarship, under which he will receive EC$500.00 every term until he graduates from the St. Vincent Grammar School, once he meets all the conditions of the scholarship.
All of the recipients were successful in this year’s CPEA examinations in May and most of them are involved in various activities within the community.
In a video, the students and their parents expressed their profound gratitude to John-Brookes, a Vincentian lawyer living in St. Kitts.
In her remarks, John told awardees that her sister was giving back because “she was once as small as you with big dreams. She attended the Layou Government School and worked her way up…there were some good people who invested in our education. She wants to be just that to you.” John said.
John-Brookes commented virtually and encouraged students to give education their best shot. She also thanked the parents for playing an active role in their children’s lives and highlighted the role of the family and community.
“I am proud of each of you, and I have great confidence that you will continue to do well. Education is important and will determine the quality of your life. Focus on your dreams, work hard and give it your best shot. Find time to balance your academics with extracurricular activities and community-building to help you to relax and to aid with your holistic development. Your parents are with you, and I am happy for that. A strong family and a united community are two great pillars of success for every student.”
Vadeesha John-Brookes intends to make this an annual event and hopes to help many more young people in Central Leeward in their education pursuits.