Iona, Tacky High students share Amiri Raja Takemoto Hamilton Scholarship
WELL-THINKING St Mary resident Cheridah Wilson initiated the Amiri Raja Takemoto Hamilton Scholarship last year to assist high-school students in the parish who are in need of such assistance.
Named for his grandson, Amiri, the scholarship was awarded again this year, with the presentation taking place at Wilson’s home in Tower Isle, St Mary, recently.
Several students, including last year’s recipient, Katherinia Walters, head girl of Iona High School, parents, teachers, and well-wishers gathered to see who this year’s worthy recipient would be.
Wilson explained how the idea for the scholarship emerged. “When I returned to Jamaica in 2016 and decided to give back to my country, I felt Iona would be the way to go. The urge to help students in my community was strengthened by a sermon given by Brother Gordon in church one Sunday during which he asked the congregation to do what we could to help our children. That same afternoon, I invited Sister Rosa to my home, and we both decided on an annual scholarship for the next five years.”
But those in attendance were pleasantly surprised when it was announced that two scholarships, instead of one, would be awarded this year, and several other students also benefited from donations.
Wilson said that it was difficult to decide on a winner this year, hence two were chosen, and this was done based on the essays they wrote, which was part of the eligibility criteria.
In the end, Erika Green of Iona High School and Trishan McIntosh of Tacky High School were the lucky recipients of the scholarship valued at $100,000 each. Each student also received a laptop.
This will cover the cost of four sets of school uniforms, to include shoes, socks, and gym shoes, and all textbooks and accompanying notebooks.
Giovanni Jacobs of Iona also received $20,000 and a laptop.
The students were delighted at being chosen for the award and expressed their thanks.
Principal of Tacky High Errol Bascoe, also spoke highly of his student, Trishan, and encouraged him to continue to do well in school.