WMA Continues to Support Students

Photo: Contributed Chairman of the Western Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Garfield Badal (left), with recipients of the 2015 WMA Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) award, at a ceremony held on January 24. From second left are: Jessica McKnight, Antonio Colman and Candice Owens.

Story Highlights

  • The Western Medical Association (WMA) continues to foster the development of education at the primary level in Jamaica, with the recent presentation of awards to three students who topped the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in the west.
  • The 2015 top performers, Candice Owens, Jessica McKnight and Antonio Colman, who are all from Unity Primary, in Westmoreland, were each presented with a cheque valued at $10,000.
  • Candice and Antonio are now at Mannings High School, in Westmoreland, while Jessica attends Hampton School, in St. Elizabeth.

The Western Medical Association (WMA) continues to foster the development of education at the primary level in Jamaica, with the recent presentation of awards to three students who topped the 2015 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) in the west.

The 2015 top performers, Candice Owens, Jessica McKnight and Antonio Colman, who are all from Unity Primary, in Westmoreland, were each presented with a cheque valued at $10,000.

Candice and Antonio are now at Mannings High School, in Westmoreland, while Jessica attends Hampton School, in St. Elizabeth.

Jessica’s mother, Opal McKnight, expressed gratitude to WMA members for their “investment” in the children’s future.

“The award will help to offset expenses for her schooling. Jessica is a humble child, she works very hard and I have no complaints about her. I know she will continue to do well,” she told JIS News.

Jessica and Candice achieved 100 per cent average in the 2015 GSAT examinations.

Stania McIntosh, Oniel Davis and Mario Smith from Corinaldi Primary School in St. James, who are now attending Montego Bay High and Cornwall College, were the 2014 awardees.

Chairman of the WMA, Dr. Garfield Badal, said the students not only receive an award in recognition of their academic performance, but they receive guidance from members of the Association.

“The award serves as a platform that sets a stage for mentorship. Over the years, the students have gone on to do very well. We are very proud of their success and contact is maintained to track their progress,” he said.

Dr. Badal outlined that the first recipients of the award six years ago, recently completed their Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) and achieved excellent results.

He said the Association decided to assist GSAT students, having assessed and noted that numerous organizations focus on marginalized children, both financially and economically. “We decided to recognize excellence at the primary school level,” he added.

“The Executive feels strongly about continuing this programme. This is evident in their willingness to personally provide support for the students in instances when fund-raising proceeds are scarce,” Dr. Badal said.

You are doing well. Tell your friend, it is so good!

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