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.