SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Fifty-three students were recently awarded education grants and their teachers recognised for outstanding achievement in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations in north-east St Elizabeth.

Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Eastern Delroy Slowley, who spearheaded the awards, said he hopes the children will be inspired to continue achieving.

“Many of these youngsters are on a path to success, but sometimes they are unaware of the great role and the greatness that they have within them, and so we have to motivate and encourage them, and when you do that you get them on that pathway far easier,” he explained.

“We have awarded 53 students throughout the constituency, whereas in the past it used to be mainly the top two students — girl and boy — but my team, we saw it fit to expand the number of students that we encourage,” said Slowley.

Students were selected from 12 primary schools across the constituency.

“Not only did we give trophies and certificates, but we also gave cash grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. We also awarded 23 teachers who were involved in the preparation of the students,” he said.

Burnt Savannah Primary past student Jehonor Allwood was named top PEP student of the constituency. She was awarded a trophy and $30,000. She will be attending Hampton School in September.

Slowley said approximately $1 million was allocated for the special awards function held at the St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz.

Educator and councillor Christopher Williams (Jamaica Labour Party, Santa Cruz Division) commended the students and teachers.

“The initiative is motivating to the students as it will encourage them to work harder. It is also motivating to the teachers, because it will encourage them to continue going beyond the call of duty so our children can achieve excellence,” he said.

He said the well-attended awards function is a reflection of people’s interest in education.

“It shows that people really appreciate the gesture being made by the MP to education and it speaks volumes. Jamaica can only be better if we continue to develop and encourage our young people in a positive way,” he said.