Six Portland students awarded scholarships

Four university students from humble beginnings in Portland, along with two Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) students, are the recipients of the Stanley Taylor Memorial Fund, which had its inception last year.

Held on Saturday during a special ceremony at the Bethesda Church in Port Antonio, the scholarship fund seeks to provide assistance to needy students who continue to perform at the highest standard, academically, and were hand-picked by educators.

The scholarship fund and its affiliates, which are based in the United States (US), is headed by Richard Lindo, a past student of Titchfield High School.

Lindo, who is passionate about education, has renewed his commitment to provide financial assistance to students in the form of a scholarship grant, thus honouring them for their academic achievement and prowess.

"Taylor will be long remembered, and he was a life changer for many, including me," commented Lindo.

"Taylor inspired many to fulfil their lifelong dream and goals by providing them with financial assistance. We have increased the number of scholarship awardees from two last year to six this year. Four of the six recipients are attending university and they will each receive $50,000 to assist with their development academically. Additionally, two students who completed their GSAT recently will receive $20,000 each. Through faith, we believe that this fund will grow from strength to strength."

According to Lindo, two of the beneficiaries from last year - Kasey Williams, a third-year student at Northern Caribbean University, and Patricia Lawrence, a final-year student at the University of Technology - will continue to benefit from the Stanley Taylor Memorial Fund, which will also undertake the full cost of their graduation.

Taylor, who was born in Jamaica in 1935, started the work as a minister of religion in New Jersey, US, in 1969, where he quickly touched the lives of hundreds of persons by providing them with meals, shelter, and financial assistance.

Taylor is best remembered for his invaluable contribution in assisting with the growth, development, and mentorship of dozens of underprivileged students, including Lindo, who now works in the US criminal justice system with responsibility for juveniles.

The other recipients of the scholarship award were Chelsea King of the College of Agriculture, Science and Education, and Arlet Adams of Moneague Teachers' College. Meanwhile the GSAT students are Ashanti Strachan and Loriann Pryce.