Fraser-Pryce/Senior 5k inspiring Waterhouse youth

An emotional speech from keynote speaker Kerry-Ann Miller at the Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce-Hugh Senior 5K Scholarship awards ceremony at Penwood Church of Christ in Waterhouse on Sunday moved some sponsors to increase their contribution to the event.

Miller, a final-year student at The University of the West Indies, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing, spoke about the difficulty in obtaining a higher education without enough financial support and how persons like Fraser-Pryce and Pastor Hugh Senior inspired her to be the best version of herself.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to be selected as an awardee of the Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce-Hugh Senior Scholarship fund,” she said. “These last four years have not been without its challenges financially. I grew up in Waterhouse with a family that was not well off financially, therefore, I was very aware of the realities associated with poverty and the implications it has for acquiring a higher education.

“The reality of this was felt in my first year, where the payment of my tuition resulted in my deregistration and subsequent consequences for my exams. Despite these challenges, I reassured myself that where I live does not determine who or what I become. Therefore, I was determined to fight the odds and prove the stereotype associated with individuals in inner-city communities wrong, and so far, I have been successful.”

Miller, who has a GPA of 3.82, said the assistance would alleviate the financial burden of funding her education and motivate her to continue working hard. She also pointed to Fraser-Pryce and Senior as role models and reason for her to persevere.

The lady of the moment, Fraser-Pryce, said that community building was essential to her and that the 5K scholarship fund was one way to help foster education in the community, while providing and improving facilities and resources.

“Last year, we had 10 scholarship recipients and spent $485,000. Being a part of a community that fosters education and access facilities will help to enhance their learning. This 5k assists the development of students and young people in the community, and that is a plus,” she said.

The scholarship fund, which stood at $400,000 prior to Sunday’s commitments, was increased by nearly $2 million. The initiative was started by Running Events managing director Alfred ‘Frano’ Francis, who pledged an additional $400,000. Fraser-Pryce was also moved by Francis’ gesture and committed another $1 million to the initiative.

Wysinco sponsorship and events manager Jermaine Brown followed and promised to double the brand’s contribution next year. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, who was also present, offered to personally write Miller’s recommendation upon her leaving university.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

The awardees:

(Early Childhood)

Antoine Scott

(Primary)

Makeba Haughton

Riandrea Lewis

(Secondary)

Khaleel McFarlane

Alaine McIntosh

Noel Clough

Javier James

Abigail Grant

(Tertiary)

Kerry-Ann Miller