Charlemont high students get scholarships
Published:Tuesday | September 20, 2016 | 12:00 AM
LINSTEAD, St Catherine:
Five outstanding students of Charlemont High School in Linstead, St Catherine, have been given the opportunity to complete their education at the school free of cost, thanks to past student Jacqueline Butler.
Butler, a successful human resources senior leader at a reputable US-based timeshare company, rallied some of her friends, family members and other past students from the class of 1985 and launched the inaugural Kai-Zee Scholarship.
The students, Devon Williams, Deandra Doeman and Tashana Richards, all in grade 10; Sasha Clarke and Jessica Wilson, both in grade eight, were presented with scholarships at a recent ceremony at the school. The scholarships will cover their school fees, uniforms, school supplies, among other things, for the entire school year.
The Kai Zee Scholarship, named after Butler's two daughters Kai-Lee Nicole and Zoie Elise, was created specifically for students attending the Charlemont High School who have maintained at least a 75 per cent average, involved in at least one sport, one club, and must have an impeccable disciplinary record, must have a reasonably good attendance record and in need of financial assistance.
Butler, affectionately known to everyone as 'Chirpy', hails from humble beginnings and was raised by a single mom. She recalled the nurturing and outstanding education and social structure she was afforded at Charlemont High School that she attributes to her success in her career.
"Charlemont was what created the love of learning for me, which provided an educational foundation, a constant and solid support system with the love and care of teachers, facility and friends," she said.
Butler flew to Jamaica to celebrate her 45th birthday and decided to start her celebration activities with the handover of the scholarships.
"I've had some life-changing experiences these past years and have been to some crossroads and had to re-evaluate my values, my past, my future. I feel completely blessed and want to be a blessing to others."
She stated: "Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways, we can change someone else's life forever."