José Martí alumni awards over $2M to outstanding students and teachers
THE JOSÉ Martí Technical High School Past Students’ Association has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and cash prizes to 100 deserving students and teachers from the institution.
The presentations were made during the 47th Founder’s Day Celebrations and Awards ceremony at the school’s campus in Twickenham Park, St Catherine, on January 10.
Students were rewarded for excellence in academics, sports and other areas, while members of the teaching staff were recognised for outstanding work.
President of the group, Alexander Shaw, who addressed the function, encouraged the students to continue to excel.
He noted that they can be inspired by the outstanding legacy of past students and teachers.
“You all have it within you to do well regardless of your socioeconomic standing or position now. If you are determined, then nothing can stop you from achieving your goals,” Shaw said.
Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Fermin Quiñones Sánchez, also urged the students to make the best of their education.
“All you have to do is continue studying and make your own efforts to be better men and women,” he said.
Social historian and Director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Professor Verene Shepherd, who delivered the keynote address, commended José Martí Technical High on its achievements over the years, noting that the institution has taken many persons from “obscurity to prominence”.
Professor Shepherd, who is a past teacher at the institution, hailed the educators for their continued support to students through extra classes and other assistance.
Principal of José Martí Technical High, Dr Austin Wright, noted that 47 years “is a very good milestone in the life of a school”.
He thanked the Past Students’ Association for giving back to the institution over the years and appealed for the benevolent efforts to continue.
José Martí Technical High School, which was founded in 1977, is a gift from the Government and the people of Cuba to the Government and people of Jamaica.