Children of Light Foundation awards 170 St Elizabeth students for excellence
THE CANADA-BASED Children of Light Outreach Foundation has stepped up on its 13-year-old mandate to support education for youth in St Elizabeth, as evidenced by its awarding of 170 students for academic excellence across various year-groups.
The award ceremony, which was held at the Jointwood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jointwood, St Elizabeth, on Sunday, saw students from the primary school level to university level receiving certificates and trophies of commendation. The group included students who had attained pass-mark averages of 80 per cent and higher.
The event also saw several of the foundation’s youth volunteers receiving awards in recognition of their work with the organisation, which has been in operation since its genesis in 2011.
Addressing Sunday’s awards ceremony, Sonya Moulton, the founding director of the Children of Light Foundation, urged the awardees to make the most of the educational opportunities which they have been given.
“Today I stand here before you not just as director of the Children of Light Foundation, but as somebody who believes in the immense potential and the bright future that awaits you. I want you to understand that learning is a lifelong adventure,” said Moulton, herself a native of the Jointwood community.
“Every one of you has the potential to achieve greatness, but it is essential to believe in yourself, to have faith in your abilities, and to set clear goals. Visualise your success, work diligently, and never underestimate the power of hard work and education,” Moulton continued.
“In the fast-paced world we live in, adaptability is crucial, so embrace change and innovation and don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore new horizons. Always be kind, compassionate and respectful to others. Success is not just about personal achievement; it is about making a positive impact on the lives of those around you.”
Rayshawn Morgan, one of the foundation’s youth volunteers who received an award during the ceremony, lauded Sunday’s event as a means of encouraging and benefiting young people toward academic excellence.
“It is a joyous occasion, filled with pride, admiration, and the promise of a bright future. Become bearers of knowledge and the architects of your own success, and may today’s celebration serve as a reminder of your incredible capability and fuel of our aspiration for even greater achievements in the years to come,” said Morgan.
The ceremony also saw the foundation’s unveiling of its Duhaney/Pottinger Integrity Award, presented to students who have demonstrated a character of integrity as upheld by the organisation. The award was named in honour of Moulton’s late father, Llewelyn Duhaney, and her late stepfather, Vinute Pottinger, both of whom supported the foundation prior to their deaths in 2023.
The foundation has also started a new school programme in St Elizabeth, which is geared toward financially helping students to attend school. The programme, which began i n September 2023 and was formally announced on Sunday, currently assists 10 students from various communities, and is similar to another programme which Moulton and her group had previously started in Clarendon.