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Photo Caption: Omar Wright (right), lead, environment and community development programmes at the JN Foundation interacts with students who attended the youth symposium.

Omar Wright, lead, environment and community development programmes at the JN Foundation says students should take an active role in advocating for road safety, emphasising that youth voices are essential to addressing the global crisis of road traffic crashes.

Mr Wright made the call at the Manchester Beliefs Values and Attitudes Youth Symposium hosted by Custos of Manchester, Lt. Col. Garfield Green. The event was held recently at the Kendal Camp and Conference Centre in Manchester.

Pointing to alarming statistics from a 2019 UN study, Mr Wright underscored that road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young people worldwide. Locally, Jamaicans aged 15 to 29 years account for a third of road fatalities, a statistic that he said emphsises the urgency of youth involvement in fostering change.

He encouraged students attending the symposium to stand up as representatives of the age group most affected by road crashes and emphasised the importance of their taking personal responsibility and cultivating leadership to advocate for safer roads.

“We need your belief, your values, and your willingness to take action,” he stated, urging students to see themselves as key agents of change.

He shared practical tips with students in attendance at the symposium on how to become road safety advocates. His advised them to model safe behaviours, such as wearing seatbelts, using crosswalks, and avoiding distractions, like mobile phones when on the road.

Mr Wright encouraged participants at the youth forum to educate their peers and community members about the risks of speeding, drunk driving, and other unsafe practices.

He recommended that young people join or initiate local road safety campaigns, such as walks or events, honouring road crash victims, as powerful ways to build awareness. Students were also advised to partner with schools, community leaders, and the police to advocate for measures such as better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

Acknowledging the power of digital platforms, the JN Foundation manager urged youth to leverage social media to spread positive messages about road safety.

The symposium also highlighted ongoing efforts by the JN Foundation to address the crisis. “We are here to empower you with knowledge and opportunities to create change,” he said. “But we cannot do it alone. Your voice is essential.”

Students were inspired to see their advocacy to not only protect lives but also honour their potential. “We want to celebrate your achievements, not mourn your losses,” the JN Foundation lead on environment and community development programmes reminded attendees.

The symposium was hosted under the theme ‘Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement’. Established in 2021, the Manchester Beliefs, Values and Attitudes initiative emerged in response to the pressing social challenges facing Jamaican communities. It aims to facilitate attitudinal change and social revitalisation. The JN Foundation was a sponsor of the symposium.

For 12-year-old Nickayla Jarrett, being named the JN Foundation PEP Scholar for the parish of Trelawny has been a “monumental achievement.”

“My family was overwhelmed with joy, bursting with pride. I am the first person in my family to have received a scholarship of this nature,” she beamed, as she described the moment she learned she was the recipient of this coveted academic award.

Described as “responsible, reliable, and passionate” by her immensely proud mother, Alecia Morgan-Jarrett, the former student of the Hague Primary and Infant School, now attending Westwood High School, achieved a score of 374.9 out of 400 in Primary Exit Profile, simply known as PEP to most, to land the competitive scholarship.

Mrs Morgan Jarrett praises her daughter as a young lady who works diligently towards her goals consistently.

“I’m not surprised when Nickayla was named the 2024 JN Foundation PEP Scholar for Trelawny.”

An aspiring fashion designer – a career some may consider unconventional for children her age – Nickayla has dreams of studying her craft at some of the most prestigious schools overseas, and she has the full support of her family.

“I want to attend the New York School of Design and become a fashion designer and a franchise owner,” she proudly proclaims.

With big dreams and even bigger goals, the math enthusiast who loves solving problems, has already set the targets that will assist with achieving her goals.

Her love for problem-solving is a characteristic her sixth-grade teacher, Shannon Anglin, also singles out, describing Nickyala as, “a rare gem who faces challenges with humility, determination, and a hunger for success.”

She says she encouraged Nickayla to not only to pursue academic scholarship, but to become well-rounded by participating in various extracurricular activities. The young scholar, as a result, made time in her schedule at primary school for dance and the children’s choir at the Duncan’s New Testament Church of God, while also maintaining active participation as a Girl Guide, a member of the Schools’ Challenge Quiz team, the Mathematics Club and 4-H Club.

She has carried on her strong participation in non-academic activities since matriculating to Westwood High School as member of the News Society and Debate clubs.

“I try to maintain a schedule that balances academics, extracurricular activities, and socialising,” the pre-teen says, but not missing the chance to again express her gratitude to the JN Foundation for what she describes as an “invaluable opportunity.”

“This scholarship will ease some of the financial pressures on my mother, allowing us to focus on my academics and extracurricular activities rather than financial stress,” she commented.

Not only is she grateful to the JN Foundation, but also for the support of her grandparents, especially her grandfather, Aspinel Jarrett aka ‘Oliver’, who she says, “consistently devotes his time to stay with my brother and I after school until my mother returns home from work.”

Also on her gratitude list are her dedicated teachers at Hague Primary and Infant School, particularly her grade six teacher, Mrs Anglin.

“Her patience and encouragement inspired me. And Miss Hales, whose guidance helped shape my young mind,” she said.

Nickayla also acknowledges her spiritual family at Duncan’s New Testament Church of God, who prayed with and for her, and finally, but not least, she declared: “I thank God Almighty for His unwavering protection and guidance in my life.”

The JN Foundation PEP Scholarship and grants are awarded to students who demonstrate academic prowess, leadership potential, and a commitment to excellence – qualities that Nickayla has exemplified throughout her brief educational journey.

Since 1983, The Jamaica National Group has been supporting the educational pursuits of hundreds of young people at both the secondary and tertiary levels through the scholarship programme.

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.