St James High awards students

Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Grade-10 students who participated in the St James High School's second annual skills competition were given special recognition last Wednesday at a prize-giving ceremony at the institution.

Speaking at the ceremony, which was held in the school's auditorium, grade 10 coordinator, Dwight Harrison, said the competition was aimed at motivating students to further develop their skills.

"Having a skill is now the way to go in Jamaica, and in order to encourage that, we embarked on a skills competition where we motivate the students by rewarding them for their talents," he said.

In congratulating the students on their achievements this year, Harrison said the high school aimed to expand next year's staging of the competition to all subject areas.

The competition received support from the Montego Bay business community through the donation of various prizes for the top performing students.

Two trophies

Guardian General Insurance, one of the sponsors, awarded two trophies to the top-performing students in business, secretarial and clerical studies and accounting. These were Marielle Reid and Cleveland Mighty, respectively.

Sandra Mattis, branch supervisor for the company's Fairview, Montego Bay branch, who made the presentations, told Western Focus that it was important that students be motivated and made to feel worthy.

"In regards to students development, I believe that when Corporate Jamaica puts some effort into what is happening in the schools, we can mentor students and make them into better persons," she said.

Other sponsors included Margaritaville, which awarded US$100 each to Rojay Lawson, the top performer for plumbing, and Trevor Blackwood, who placed first in carpentry.

Joseph Brown received rousing applause from his classmates for copping the first prize in food and nutrition. He was awarded a gift basket, courtesy of Bay City Supermarket.

In commending Brown, fellow classmate Kimiko Stewart said he was "dedicated and hard working and thoroughly deserved to win".

Western Sports provided gift certificates to Devar Hines for top place in electrical installation, while Automotive Performance Centre gave a trophy to Akeim Smith for top place in auto mechanics.