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The St James-based Welcome Hall Citizens' Association (WHCA) recently hosted a back-to-school awards ceremony and the presentation of the Carlton Wesley Fowles Scholarship Award at the Kensington Community Centre.

Trevor Hibbert, vice-president of the WHCA, said that the association was pleased to be part of an initiative that is designed to recognise excellence among the students at the Springfield Primary School, whose achievements are sometimes overshadowed by the rampant negatives in society.

"We want to congratulate those who have done well, and we are encouraging them to continue to make the community proud," said Hibbert. "We also want to thank all our donors who donated cash and kind to make this event a successful one."

The students, who were selected by their teachers, were recognised for doing well in the Primary Exit Programme (PEP).

Most of the students, who were presented with stationery supplies, book vouchers, and school uniforms, will be moving on to Maldon High School in September.

The WHCA also recognised Nicholette Clarke-Stennett, the teacher who was primarily responsible for preparing the PEP students.

She was presented with a special award for her outstanding work in administering a programme that did not get high marks from many school administrators across the island.

The Carlton Wesley Fowles Scholarship went to Jessica Gooden, who will be attending Irwin High School.

AWARDS WON

She won the award for her all-round good qualities and for attaining an 83 per cent average in her PEP examinations.

"We are delighted to make this award to Jessica because she is clearly on a path to excellence, which is something that my grandfather encouraged," said Jerome Clayton, grandson of the late Fowles.

Guest speaker was Oshane Haughton, a past student of Cornwall College, who is currently attending Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville. He encouraged the students to continue to strive for excellence as they move forward in life.

"You will need to continue to show exemplary behaviour because that is one of the platforms that lead to success," said Haughton. "Read as much as you can, try to grasp as much knowledge as you can ... reach for the stars."