Curves awards top GSAT girls

THE Curves brand of feminine hygiene products, through its local distributor Lasco Distributors Limited, on Friday awarded scholarships to the top-performing girl in each of the six education regions based on the recent Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

The awardees were Abbey-Gayle Higgins of St Richards Primary, Kristine WIlliams of Gibraltar All-Age, Nicole Johnson of Ewarton Primary, Danielle Edwards of McIntosh Memorial Primary, Daniel Williams of Chetwood Memorial Primary, Ashlee Brown of Lyssons Primary.

An additional scholarship was awarded to Keonie Graham, top girl of Allman Town Primary School, which is headed by Lasco Principal of the Year Kandi-Lee Crooks.

The awards, valued at $50,000 each, were presented at a luncheon held in the girls’ honour at Lasco’s headquarters in White Marl, St Catherine.

“ I feel great to have received this scholarship. I really wanted it because I knew that my parents couldn’t fully afford to pay for my school fee and purchasing my books. This assistance will go a far way in helping me to enhance my knowledge so that I can fulfil my dreams,” said recipient Ashlee Brown.

For her father, Owen Brown, it was more about the pride of parenthood. He said that it is a rewarding feeling witnessing and being a part of his daughter’s success.

“It feels great knowing that she got awarded for her hard work. It took a lot of nurturing for her to achieve this. Mi glad bag buss! I can’t even describe it, I am just very happy,” he said.

Addressing the girls, Lasco Brand Manager Renee Rose offered words of congratulations and caution for the high school experience ahead.

“Your presence here today was not by chance, but through your hard work, dedication and determination; and, of course, the love and support of your family and teachers,” she said.

She also urged them to avoid the many distractions that will present themselves when they enter the gates of their different secondary schools so that they may further mould themselves into the young women that they, as well as their parents, have envisioned.

Dr Winsome Gordon, executive officer of the Jamaica Teaching Council, in her remarks lauded Lasco for the long-standing partnership it has had with the Ministry of Education. She said that Lasco has done admirable work and encouraged the awardees to remain focused and to work twice as hard so that they may receive future acknowledgments and commendations for a journey well-travelled.

Curves has been awarding GSAT scholarships, in association with the Ministry of Education, for the past three years.

— Penda Honeyghan