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Driven by a passion for aviation and a love for tackling complex processes, JN Scholar, Khalil Mair sees his recent academic success as a launching pad to his dream of one day having a high-flying military career.

The 2024 JN Foundation PEP scholar for St Andrew, said he is looking to become a military pilot, a profession that requires a blend of both intellect and adeptness while on the frontline of defence and national security.

“I’ve been fascinated with planes and flying from I was very young- around age five,” the Dunrobin Primary past-student shared.

Khalil, now a first former at Campion College in St Andrew, said he has started attending meetings of the aeronautics club at his new school, to broaden his knowledge of aviation and connect with others who share a common interest.

“So far we’ve only had one meeting and it was really interesting because I learned things that I never knew before and that information will also help me when I get to third form and start doing subjects like physics,” he said.

The ‘Campionite’ said he enjoys mathematics, the sciences and French. He also enjoys running.

“In primary school during grade five, our coach decided to start a track team because there wasn’t one there and I was really interested, so I joined and trained for a while. It was really challenging and hard, but it was something that I really liked, and I think I can excel in it and be good in it if I practice more. I have already started the track programme at Campion,” he said. 

Khalil was among 37 scholarship recipients who were recognised for their PEP achievements at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on October 6. His outstanding performance in the Primary Exit Profile, known in short as PEP, led to his selection as the JN Scholar for St Andrew, and he was awarded a five-year scholarship.

“I was very excited, and I felt very proud of myself that I was able to get it and also that I was the one who got the highest score out of all the scholars in the room. The scholarship will really help my father and my mother with my educational expenses,” he shared.

Courtney Mair, Khalil’s father, said both he and Khalil’s mother are grateful to the JN Foundation for providing the scholarship, which will also serve as a start for their son’s college fund.

Mr Mair, who is an entrepreneur and Kingston College old boy, said his son, the youngest of his three children, has always been doing well, earning the top boy spot in every grade at Dunrobin Primary. He also has two daughters who he said adores their little brother.

“He just keeps on excelling and when I saw he passed for Campion, I cried because I know what it takes to go to Campion. I’ve heard stories, so I knew he did exceptionally well,” Mr Mair said adding that “he loves school and even when it rains or he’s sick, he wants to go and I don’t think it’s to play.”

He said going forward he will be encouraging his son to read more and give less attention to his phone. As for Khalil’s career goal to be a fighter pilot, Mr Mair said he supports it.

“I really encourage him to go after what he wants and if he changes his mind, so be it because we know things can change after a while. But that’s what he wants and whatever support we can provide him, we will do whatever it takes to get it to him,” he said.

Expressing a similar sentiment, Khalil’s mother, Tracey-Ann Hendricks, an Assistant Teacher at Rainbow Land Nursery School in Kingston, said she’s also proud of her son’s accomplishments and is looking forward to him building on his academic successes and going after his interests.

“Campion was his first choice and when he passed, I said ‘Yay!’ because I had actually written it down that I wanted him to pass for Campion. When I got the call that he was also selected for a JN Foundation scholarship, I was shocked but excited and proud at the same time, and I said this is a really big thing for him because it will help him out so much with school,” she said.

“He’s a very smart, fun loving and kind person. Khalil loves to do his work and does not like anyone interfering in his work. He will definitely work hard for what he wants,” she added.

Financial education consultant at the JN Foundation, Rose Miller, says managing personal finances has become more crucial than ever given the existing financial environment. According to recent media reports quoting a report by the Bank of Jamaica, more Jamaicans are falling behind on their regular monthly payments on loans.

The reports noted that past-due loans, which are loans on which the borrower has made no payment between 30 and 89 days, rose 32.1 per cent at deposit-taking institutions as at the end of fiscal year ending March 2024, over the previous year ending March 2023.

Pointing to the various common forms of debt people carry, including credit card debt, student loans, consumer loans and mortgages, Mrs Miller advises that persons overwhelmed by debt should follow these five steps to help them regain control of their financial health.

1. Assess Your Current Debts – Before you can tackle debt, you need a clear picture of what you owe. Start by listing all debts, credit cards, personal and student loans, and any other loans, including any ad hoc or informal loans. It’s important to note the balance on each, interest rates, if applicable and minimum monthly payments for each debt.  The purpose is to get a good understanding of how much you owe.
2. Create a Repayment Plan – Understanding your debt landscape will enable you to take the next step, which is to develop a repayment plan. This involves deciding how much you can realistically pay toward your debt each month; the best way to achieve this figure is to create a budget. One popular debt management strategy is to allocate extra funds toward clearing the debt with the highest interest rate first (the “debt avalanche” method), or putting these extra funds towards clearing the smallest debt first (the “debt snowball” method). Both methods have their benefits: the avalanche method saves more on interest, while the snowball method can provide psychological wins by eliminating smaller debts quickly.
3. Negotiate with Creditors – If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, it’s worth reaching out to your creditors to negotiate better terms. Many lenders are open to offering reduced interest rates, extended repayment periods, or even settling for a lower amount than the original debt. This can make monthly payments more manageable and prevent accounts from going into default, a situation that would adversely affect your creditworthiness.
4. Consider Consolidating Your Loans – Consolidating your debts by rolling them into a single loan will simplify repayment and enable the debtor to gradually regain control of their finances and improve their financial well-being. Almost all deposit-taking institutions offer a consolidated loan. Shop around to identify the one that will provide you with the best terms and conditions.
5. Build an Emergency Fund – Be intentional about not getting into further debt.  Establishing an emergency fund can assist in this regard.  This will enable you to take care of some emergencies without the need for additional loans. 

Effectively managing debt takes discipline and grit but the benefits, such as preserving your creditworthiness, enjoying peace-of-mind, physical and psychological wellbeing, plus the prospect of financial security, make the sacrifice worthwhile. 

Manchester’s JN PEP Scholar, Tami-Ann Clarke, Sets Her Path

Twelve-year-old JN PEP Scholar for the parish of Manchester, Tami-Ann Clarke is a young girl with big dreams. The Manchester High School student is hoping to one day become a doctor so that she can care for those who are ill.

Already she is charting her path to attaining that career goal as she was recently selected as a JN Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Scholar after receiving a score of 384. 6 out of 400 in the PEP exams.

For Tami-Ann and her mother, Toyeisha Maxwell, the day the scholarship announcement arrived marked more than a milestone. It was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding bond.

Described by her mother as a vibrant and focused child, Tami-Ann recalled feeling both surprised and overjoyed when she got the news that she was selected as a JN PEP Scholar.

 “I felt really happy and shocked at the same time,” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. The scholarship has opened a door for her, easing the financial strain and bringing her closer to fulfilling her aspiration to become a doctor.

For as long as she can remember, academic excellence has been a priority. From the early days of infant school, where she often topped her class, to excelling in the PEP exam, her focus has been unwavering. Her favourite subject, mathematics, is not just an academic pursuit for her; it’s a passion she believes will help her navigate life.

“I love how math can be used in so many ways to help you,” she explained, her enthusiasm evident.

Behind her achievements stands her mother, a single parent whose dedication has been crucial to her daughter’s success. “From the moment I heard she was selected; I was filled with joy. God answered my prayer,” her mother said, her voice thick with pride and relief.

Raising a focused child has been both challenging and rewarding, Miss Maxwell shared. The mother-daughter duo faced the hurdles together, sometimes sacrificing leisure for study, yet never losing sight of what mattered most. Their Seventh-day Adventist faith became a cornerstone in their journey, guiding decisions about weekend study sessions and instilling a sense of purpose.

When asked about the qualities that have driven her daughter to excel, her mother shared, “Tami-Ann is very focused and intelligent. She can sit with her books for hours, studying without distraction.”

For her, this scholarship is a confirmation of the sacrifices made, the late-night study sessions, and the determination to give her daughter the best.

Notaly Powell, Grade 6 teacher at Christiana Leased Primary and Infant School, who Tami-Ann credits for her success, expressed that her former student’s achievement came as no surprise.

“Tami-Ann demonstrates a remarkable level of maturity and serves as a positive role model for her peers,” Miss Powell shared. “She is driven and knows exactly what she wants, always working diligently toward her goals. Beyond her academic strengths, she is also active in extracurricular activities, participating in sports and the Jamaica Moves club. Tami-Ann is truly an intrinsically motivated student.”

Tami-Ann is determined to inspire other students. “Stay focused and don’t pressure yourself too hard,” she advises other children. “Take breaks and remember to do your best without overwhelming yourself.”

As the family prepares for the exciting journey ahead, this scholarship is more than a financial boost; it’s a reminder of the strength in family, faith, and hard work.

A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. Of the amount, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and 20 children of JN Group staff members who received the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.

Financial education consultant at the JN Foundation, Rose Miller, says managing personal finances has become more crucial than ever given the existing financial environment. According to recent media reports quoting a report by the Bank of Jamaica, more Jamaicans are falling behind on their regular monthly payments on loans.

The reports noted that past-due loans, which are loans on which the borrower has made no payment between 30 and 89 days, rose 32.1 per cent at deposit-taking institutions as at the end of fiscal year ending March 2024, over the previous year ending March 2023.

Pointing to the various common forms of debt people carry, including credit card debt, student loans, consumer loans and mortgages, Mrs Miller advises that persons overwhelmed by debt should follow these five steps to help them regain control of their financial health.

1. Assess Your Current Debts

Before you can tackle debt, you need a clear picture of what you owe. Start by listing all debts, credit cards, personal and student loans, and any other loans, including any ad hoc or informal loans. It’s important to note the balance on each, interest rates, if applicable and minimum monthly payments for each debt.  The purpose is to get a good understanding of how much you owe.

2. Create a Repayment Plan

Understanding your debt landscape will enable you to take the next step, which is to develop a repayment plan. This involves deciding how much you can realistically pay toward your debt each month; the best way to achieve this figure is to create a budget. One popular debt management strategy is to allocate extra funds toward clearing the debt with the highest interest rate first (the “debt avalanche” method), or putting these extra funds towards clearing the smallest debt first (the “debt snowball” method). Both methods have their benefits: the avalanche method saves more on interest, while the snowball method can provide psychological wins by eliminating smaller debts quickly.

3. Negotiate with Creditors

If you’re struggling to keep up with payments, it’s worth reaching out to your creditors to negotiate better terms. Many lenders are open to offering reduced interest rates, extended repayment periods, or even settling for a lower amount than the original debt. This can make monthly payments more manageable and prevent accounts from going into default, a situation that would adversely affect your creditworthiness.

4. Consider Consolidating Your Loans

Consolidating your debts by rolling them into a single loan will simplify repayment and enable the debtor to gradually regain control of their finances and improve their financial well-being. Almost all deposit-taking institutions offer a consolidated loan. Shop around to identify the one that will provide you with the best terms and conditions.

5. Build an Emergency Fund

Be intentional about not getting into further debt.  Establishing an emergency fund can assist in this regard.  This will enable you to take care of some emergencies without the need for additional loans. 

Effectively managing debt takes discipline and grit but the benefits, such as preserving your creditworthiness, enjoying peace-of-mind, physical and psychological wellbeing, plus the prospect of financial security, make the sacrifice worthwhile. 

Caption: Hurricane Beryl caused significant roof damage to the infrastructure at Victor Dixon High School, forcing all activities to the ground level.

With several of their classrooms and essential infrastructure still in need of repair following the devastating passage of Hurricane Beryl in July, both the Victor Dixon High and New Forest Primary and Infant schools in Manchester are facing challenges maintaining basic operations. Despite their best efforts to keep learning uninterrupted, the schools urgently need financial support to fully restore their facilities.

The category four hurricane left both institutions with significant roof and water damage, reducing space capacity for students and teachers ahead of the new academic year.

Ian Newman, teacher and Dean of Discipline at Victor Dixon High School, said approximately 50 per cent of the school’s operating spaces were compromised, forcing all activities to the ground level.

“We have tried to commandeer other spaces to assist us in conducting our different classes, particularly for fifth form students,” he said, emphasising that some lessons are being conducted outdoors, under gazebos, and in the lunchroom because of the limited classroom spaces.

“There have been times since the reopening of school where we have had to run from the gazebos outside to get shelter inside and persons had to be standing in the passageway and scampering for other classrooms for teachers to conduct their lessons,” he said.

Mr. Newman said despite the workarounds, the situation is raising frustration among staff, students, and other stakeholders connected to the school.

“Financial support will, in my estimation, improve the rate at which our recovery process can take place so that we can return to normal operation mode. Any aid and support at this time will reduce some of the unnecessary stresses and Victor Dixon High will welcome any support from any person or institution by way of donation, gifts, or even physical labour input,” he said.

In south Manchester, Sharon Anderson, principal of New Forest Primary and Infant School, said they too have “had to be geniuses” to make school operational, despite the devastation.

“We’re not doing too badly now but it has been a rough couple of weeks. I’ve been on the ground every day since the passage of the hurricane,” Ms. Anderson shared.

“Each grade typically has three classrooms, but due to the damage, I had to borrow a classroom from grade six, leaving us with two classrooms for that grade. I also borrowed one room from grade five and we’re using those classrooms to host grade one students,” she explained adding that two additional classrooms are also temporarily set up in a recently completed space that is to serve as a dining hall for the students.

Restoration activities at the New Forest Primary and Infant received a boost recently, courtesy of a $1 million donation from JN Money customers and staff. JN Money had also handed over care packages to the school in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. The JN Foundation, which is managing the JN Group’s I Support Jamaica Fund for Beryl victims, coordinated the donations.

Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, said the fund is still open to receiving donations that will go towards supporting the two Manchester schools and other affected spaces in and around the region. Persons can donate to the fund at JN Bank Jamaica, account number: 2094768349. Details on more ways to donate are also on the JN Group and JN Foundation websites.

“Much of the world has moved on but those who were severely affected haven’t. We have young bright students who are still in temporary shelters because their classrooms have not yet been repaired. JN Foundation or Jamaica National will benefit in no way or form from the funds being donated to the I Support Jamaica Fund, except that we will get the gratification knowing that we assisted, and from our end, we have waived all fees for the donations,” she said.

Photo Caption: Jennifer Martin (left), JN Foundation board director presents Xia Williams with a certificate at the awards ceremony to recognise JN PEP Scholars at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, recently.

A heartwarming tale of dedication, hard work, and unwavering support is the success story of JN Scholar, Xia Williams. Her academic achievements have left her family beaming with pride.

Her mother, Nadine Chambers, reflects on the journey, sharing not just the glowing results, but the challenges, tears, and perseverance that paved the way. From the very beginning, this determined student showcased her ‘perfectionist’ tendencies.

“One of my favourite stories,” her mother recounted with a smile, “is when she was learning to write the letter ‘A’. She didn’t make a perfect circle, and the stick didn’t quite attach to the zero, and she bawled her eyes out.”

This drive for excellence has been a constant trait, pushing her to always strive for the best. Despite her mother’s gentle reminders that “mistakes are opportunities to learn,” Xia’s determination to get it right has been unshakeable.

Her hard work paid off recently with outstanding results in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) exams. She received an overall score of 356.4 out of 400 in the PEP exams and was placed at her school of choice, Titchfield High School in Portland, the alma mater of both her parents.

But her mother admitted, “You always have it in the back of your mind… some people have exam jitters.” Despite the anxiety, she remained confident in her daughter’s abilities. “I expected good results, even if they weren’t excellent.”

What followed was beyond anyone’s expectations. The student not only excelled in her PEP exams, but she also earned three scholarships—one from her former school, Port Antonio Primary, another from a credit union, and a prestigious award from the JN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Jamaica National Group.

At her graduation, Xia received 10 awards, including the Top Female Achiever title and subject awards in mathematics, science, Spanish, and language arts. “She couldn’t sit down,” her mother recalled with awe, describing the moment when her daughter kept returning to the stage. “At one point, someone said, ‘Just stand up in the aisle and don’t sit down.'”

This stellar performance was no accident. Her mother outlined the system that supported her daughter’s success: “Children need consistency. When she got home from school, she knew to rest, then review her work. I didn’t make it heavy; just light reviewing to reinforce what was learnt.”

This method helped commit the lessons to long-term memory, easing exam preparation. But beyond structure, Ms Chambers emphasised her daughter’s innate drive. “To be honest, she’s very accountable. She wants it, so she goes after it. She doesn’t like failure.”

Her father, Christopher Williams knew his daughter was special as at just two years old she was picking out her outfits. “So, from early it was evident that she was a go getter,” he smiled with pride. “I want the world to know who Xia Williams is and years from now she will be hailed as one of the greatest Jamaican scholars, making all Jamaicans proud all over the globe,” he said.

Mr Williams’ advice to parents are to give their children emotional support, which he said are sometimes overlooked.

“Children these days need to feel that their parents are behind them physically and financially but also going through the tough times with them emotionally. Share with them and allow them to share with you,” he said.

For Xia’s Grade 6 teacher, Yanique Campbell-Brown, Xia’s performance in the PEP exams was no surprise. “Xia is a bright and motivated student who has consistently worked hard to achieve her dreams. Her commitment to excellence is evident in everything that she does, from academics to extracurricular activities,” she said.

Mrs Campbell-Brown pointed out that Xia’s participation in the debating club, helped to hone her critical thinking and public speaking skills and she emerged as a confident and persuasive speaker.

“Xia served as a role model for her peers. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, encouraged others and maintained a positive classroom atmosphere,” she said.

For the budding entrepreneur, Xia said her preparation involved following a timetable for study. She credits her success to the hard work and guidance of her teachers. Her advice to other students is to be consistent.

“Just work hard and don’t get distracted with the other things that are going around you. If you work hard, you can achieve your goals,” she said.

Ms Chambers said the journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were nights when assignments brought her daughter to tears, but she persevered. “She’d be bawling her eyes out, but she’d still be doing the work. I stayed up with her late sometimes to make sure she finished.” This unwavering support, paired with her daughter’s determination, made all the difference.

Reflecting on her role as a parent, Ms Chambers offered this advice to others. “You have to give your children time, not just for scolding, but to talk and listen. They may have issues you don’t know about, but once they’re in a relaxed environment, they’ll open up.”

In her experience, supporting a child, even when they’re not performing at their best, is crucial. “Even if you don’t see the results now, the reinforcement will make a difference eventually.”

For Ms Chambers, the journey of supporting her daughter has been as fulfilling as the achievements themselves. And with a system of love, consistency, and determination, the sky’s the limit for this young scholar.

Photo Caption: JN Foundation Scholar for Hanover, Abrielle Anderson, accepts her JN Scholar certificate from Dwayne Russell, general manager, MC Systems, at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.

For many students, mathematics can be an intimidating subject, but not for Abrielle Anderson, a first- form student at Mannings School, who gets a thrill from problem-solving. 

Maths became her favourite subject in grade five at Kendal Primary School in Hanover, thanks to her inspiring maths teacher, Paula McKenzie, who made the subject engaging and exciting.  This love for maths led her to excel. It was her highest score in her Primary Exit Profile (PEP) results.

“She taught really well, and I understood it more.  She would explain the parts you did not understand.  She would break it down so you could understand more. I find it really fun to solve equations,” she related.

Her outstanding performance in the PEP led to her selection as the JN Foundation Scholar for Hanover and being awarded a five-year scholarship. She was among 37 scholarship recipients who were recognised for their achievement at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.  Of the 37 recipients, 14 are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who were awarded the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship.  One-time grants were also presented at the event to 10 students by JN Money Services.

“I’m really happy, I’m really proud of myself to get that achievement,” said Abrielle, adding that she intends to do her best to focus, settle down and study more often to retain the scholarship.

She disclosed that while she still likes maths, integrated science has now become her favourite subject in high school, as she wants to pursue a career as a scientist.

“I would be changing the world through something I like,” she said, likening the experience to scientists who developed the vaccine to treat COVID-19.

Abrielle acknowledged the strong support from her family, including her mother, father, aunt and cousins, who helped her to prepare for the PEP.

Her parents, Taneisha Donaldson Anderson and Shaun Anderson, were elated upon getting the news of the scholarship award. What makes Mrs Donaldson-Anderson even more proud is that Abrielle is the top applicant for the parish.

“I am a JN member so I saw them advertising [the scholarship] so I just casually applied but I did not know that it would turn out that she would be overall champion for Hanover. I knew that she had gotten it for Hanover Western because she was recognised as the overall top PEP performer, top performer in Social Studies and Ability [in the constituency] and got a book grant and trophies from the Member of Parliament, Tamika Davis,” said Mrs Donaldson-Anderson, a secondary school teacher.

“She has always been an outstanding student since kindergarten.  She always maintained first place in all her classes. She is pretty much self-motivated. She knows what she has to do, and she does it. She seems to have a natural ability to do well because she has always performed at the highest standards.”

Mrs Donaldson Anderson commended the school for their dedicated efforts in preparing students for the PEP exam.

“They really did a lot to prepare them.  They had Saturday and evening classes.  I credit them for the preparation that they gave to the students.  It was sufficient to produce this result.”

Abrielle’s father, a firefighter, described his daughter as being enthusiastic about learning and who expresses herself well.

“She is humble, loving and caring, and has a close bond with her brother.  I’m proud of her and I see her doing great things in the future if she continues on that path.”

He reasoned that though his daughter has her career goal of being a scientist, she would do well as a teacher as she makes complex matters easy to understand.

An all-rounder at her alma mater, Abrielle served as head girl, prefect, peer counsellor and was a member of the Girl Guides Club.  She also represented her school in netball, 4-H and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission competitions.

For students who are now preparing for PEP, Abrielle provides sound advice.

“Put God first in everything because we cannot do everything by ourselves. Pay more attention, and look over notes so you have a better chance of doing well.”

Since the inception of the JN Scholarship Programme in 1983, hundreds of students have benefitted from financial assistance to pursue their secondary education.

Photo Caption: Skylar Powell with her parents, Sivan Powell and Karensa Harper Powell

Skylar Powell, a resident of Berlin in St Elizabeth, was two years old when she started school.  From that tender age, her parents recognised that she was an extraordinary child.

“She achieved all of her milestones early. She did everything basically before other children.  Before she could even talk, we could send her for any item in the house and she would go for it,” disclosed Karensa Harper Powell, Skylar’s mother.

“When she was four, she had another year left in basic school, but we realised there was nothing more for them to offer her because she was already advanced. We tried to get her in the public school system, but she was too young, so we had to get her in a private institution. When she did her entry level test, she ‘breezed’ through everything,” related Mrs Harper Powell, a public health inspector.

Despite being two years younger than her classmates, Skylar consistently topped her class from grade one to six at Munro Preparatory.  At 10-years-old, her remarkable achievements culminated in her scoring 383.5 in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) to earn a place at Hampton School and being named the 2024 JN Foundation Parish Scholar for St Elizabeth. At her graduation, the former head girl was named the top student in all five PEP subjects and achieved the principal’s award.

Being awarded the JN Foundation scholarship was a thrilling surprise for Skylar.

“I was a hundred times happy because I never thought in the entire parish of St Elizabeth that I would be the one chosen [for the scholarship]. I did think I was capable of getting the scholarship, but my mind was just thinking that there were so many other kids in St Elizabeth that I might not have been the one chosen,” she reasoned.

In recognition of her accomplishment in the PEP, Skylar, along with 36 other students, were recognised by the JN Foundation and awarded five-year scholarships at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.  Of the 37 recipients, 14 are parish scholars; three, JN Bank Easi-Save County scholars; and 20 are children of JN Group employees who were awarded the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for attaining a placement score of at least 320. An additional 10 students were presented with one-time grants by JN Money Services at the event.

Skylar’s father, Sivan Powell, who works as a health and social care assistant at the Mannings Child Care Facility, admitted that he was initially sceptical when he received the call about the scholarship.

“Her aunt did the [scholarship] application; however, I remembered nothing about it so when I got the call, I was very puzzled,” he said, believing the call was a scam.

He pointed out that Skylar has never scored below 90 per cent since grade one and that he was confident that she would have been awarded a scholarship.

“We always saw that she had greatness in her. She is not one of those who study. She does everything at school for the most part.  Whatever she does in the classroom, she hardly ever forgets it. She has excellent memory.”

Throughout her academic journey, Skylar has been lauded not only for her brilliance but also for her character. Her grade six teacher, Francine Rochester, now acting principal, spoke highly of her.

“She’s willing, dedicated, hardworking and she always strives for the best. She takes constructive criticism very well and is willing to help her classmates when she’s finished.  She’s conscientious and always striving for excellence so she has always maintained first class honours.”

Now, Skylar has settled in at her new school, where she continues to excel, scoring 100 per cent on all her assignments done so far and immersing herself in school life. A member of the maths and art clubs, Skylar also plans to join the debate and chess clubs.

As she looks to the future, she offers advice to students preparing for PEP: “Pay attention. Always look over your notes because it gets stored in your brain.”

Skylar hopes to become a surgeon, a career dream she has had as a toddler following the pleasant experience she had in hospital after doing a hernia surgery when she was two or three years old.

Outside of her academic excellence, Skylar is an exceptional artist and enjoys playing board games like Monopoly and Sequence, video games, and lawn tennis. Her newest hobby is swimming, which she started learning this past summer while overseas. She has one brother, Richard Glennie, a sixth-form student at the BB Coke High School.

The JN Foundation scholarship is highly competitive. Some 475 applications were received through the JN Foundation’s website for this year’s award. As part of the eligibility for the scholarship, the students and/or their parents must be JN members, customers, or clients of The Jamaica National Group for at least one year.

Photo Caption: Rozan Ruddock, JN Foundation Scholar for Westmoreland, accepts her certificate and token from Parris Lyew Ayee, Chairman, JN Foundation, at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently.

Rozan Ruddock, the JN Foundation Scholar for Westmoreland, established a heartwarming daily routine while in grade six at the New Horizon Preparatory.  Each day, she presented her teacher, Trisha Williams, with a note asking her wellbeing and wishing her a good day – a simple but meaningful gesture that brightened her teacher’s day and left a lasting impression.

“I miss her daily notes.  They were normally well-decorated. She would walk up to me and hand them to me. If I’m not there, she would put them on my table,” Mrs Williams recalled fondly, adding that Rozan is very quiet, reserved and doesn’t speak much.

“She is intrinsically motivated, success driven, always topping her class, very competitive, highly intelligent and her critical thinking skills are well-developed.  She has done extremely well, and we are proud of her,” Mrs Williams said.

The 13-year-old scholar scored 100 per cent in mathematics and science, her favourite subjects, and more than 90 per cent in the other subjects which earned her an overall score of 382 from a maximum of 400 points in the Primary Exit Profile thus securing a place at Mannings School, the school of her first choice.  In addition, she copped a five-year scholarship from the JN Foundation along with 36 other students, who were recognised as JN Scholars at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship Awards Reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel recently. 

“I feel very proud of myself and motivated,” said Rozan, who pointed out that she has continued the family tradition attending Mannings School.  Her father, aunt and brother also attended the school.

While at New Horizon Preparatory, Rozan was very active. She was a prefect and a member of the debate club. A well-rounded student, she often represented her school in debating and track and field. Since enrolling at Mannings School, she has joined the track and field team.

She is committed to continuing her excellent academic performance in high school and gave the formula to current PEP students on how to do well.

“Work hard, keep being motivated and focus on your work,” she advised.

Rozan’s mother, Leonie Arnold-Ruddock, is deeply thankful for the scholarship, which provided welcomed support.

“The scholarship is very helpful. It has assisted in purchasing educational supplies for her, making it easier for me as a parent. Rozan wanted to get a scholarship, and she worked hard towards getting this scholarship.  She really put in the work. I knew deep down she would have achieved her goal. I’m grateful to JN for recognising her achievement,” she related.

Mrs Arnold-Ruddock, a schoolteacher, pointed out that from Grade one to six, Rozan has consistently been on the honour roll and was a top speller.

“She is outgoing and whatever she puts her mind to, she works toward achieving it.  She is jovial and self-motivated. She’s everything a parent could ask for in a daughter.”

Meanwhile, her father, Andy Ruddock, a firefighter, described Rozan as a perfectionist.

“If she is doing something, she’ll cry if she doesn’t get it perfect.  She is a nice child to be around. I feel proud because it [the scholarship] is motivation for her.  It is a stepping stone for greatness,” he maintains.

Rozan is the second of two children for her parents. Her brother is a firefighter like her father. She enjoys swimming and reading and plans to pursue a career in law. 

The JN Foundation scholarship is a highly sought-after award, attracting 475 applications through the Foundation’s website this year. To be eligible, applicants or their parents must have been members, customers, or clients of The Jamaica National Group for a minimum of one year.

In addition to the 14 scholarships presented to top PEP achievers in every parish, 14 others were recognised as parish scholars, three received the JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships, and 20, children of JN Group employees, earned the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarship for achieving a placement score of 320 or higher. Additionally, JN Money Services awarded one-time grants to 10 students during the event.

Since its launch in 1983, the JN Scholarship Programme has provided financial support to hundreds of students, enabling them to pursue their secondary education.

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (second right), general manager of the JN Foundation presents a plaque to Charmaine McKenzie (centre), manager of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation Port Antonio branch after outfitting a computer laboratory with equipment. Sharing in the moment from left are Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation; Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and Denise Treasure, president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter.

The capacity of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, located in Port Antonio, Portland, has been strengthened with a donation of computers and chairs to outfit its existing computer lab.

The donation was facilitated by the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter and financed by the JN Foundation to the tune of $1.5 million.

Prior to the donation, the centre had no computer equipment and students were only being taught the theories of information technology. The upgraded facility aims to empower young women with practical technological skills and foster opportunities for their advancement, particularly those who faced disruptions on their educational journey.

Novlette Howell, executive director of the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the JN Foundation and its commitment to empowering young mothers through education and vocational training.

Ms Howell, in her remarks at a handover ceremony at the centre recently, expressed gratitude for the donation and continued collaboration with the JN Circle Port Antonio and the JN Foundation.

“We are immensely grateful to the JN Circle and JN Foundation for recognising our needs and stepping in to provide these resources,” said Ms Howell. “This partnership is truly a reflection of the power of community and collaboration.”

“There’s no limit to what we can accomplish together. With partners like JN, we are confident that we can and will transform the lives of even more young mothers across Jamaica.”

She also underscored the ongoing partnership with the JN Foundation and disclosed that the Foundation has provided critical resources, including furniture, equipment, and other necessities, for the centre in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, and now Port Antonio.

Ms Howell proudly shared that the JN Foundation has not only supported the physical infrastructure of these centres but also contributed significantly to the development of educational programmes.

“In 2023, the JN Foundation donated $50,000 to our education and in-stream programme, which provides training, mentorship, and scholarships for our young mothers,” she noted.

Anna-Kay Rodgers, immediate past president of the JN Circle Port Antonio chapter, was excited that the project was completed successfully. “It is truly rewarding to see the smiles on the young ladies’ faces as they prepare to embark on this new chapter with the resources we’ve provided,” Rodgers said.

Ms Rodgers shared, “In 2023, when it was time for project selection, this initiative for the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation was voted as the top priority. We wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact on young women, providing them with the skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world.”

She proudly stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of something that can make a real difference in the lives of young women in our community.” The successful completion of this project is not just a milestone for the JN Circle but a testament to the transformative power of collective action.”

A grateful Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, underscored that the partnership led to the initiative’s success. She acknowledged the contributions of the JN Circle members who identified the needs and worked with the JN Foundation to fill those gaps sustainably.

“This project represents an outcome of true partnership,” she noted, emphasising the foundation’s long-standing commitment to keeping communities at the heart of its development efforts.

She pointed out, however, that there is much more work to be done, signalling a continued focus on future partnerships and projects.

Ms Allen praised the Port Antonio chapter for their dedication and vision. “This is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose,” she remarked. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that empower individuals and uplift entire communities.”

Since its inception in 1978, the Women Centre of Jamaica Foundation has assisted more than 55,000 women, supporting them with resources and guidance to continue their education and personal development. Ms Howell said that the newly established computer lab will serve as a vital tool in this mission, offering courses in information technology to equip participants with essential digital skills for the modern workforce.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the JN Foundation and JN Circle chapters across Jamaica to identify and address pressing community needs.