Lasco, Ballaz International scholars ready for the future

Students of the Liberty Academy, Shamarie Chambers and Jayden Fellows, continue to make marks of excellence through the Lasco Food Drink 'Sponsor a Balla' initiative.

Chambers and Fellows received a scholarships valued at $132,000 each for a second consecutive year after displaying significant growth and development over the past year.

At the presentation ceremony held on Friday, October 27, 2017, at Liberty Academy, Catherine Goodall, Lasco Beverages marketing manager, expressed delight at the progress of the students.

"Lasco is all about giving back and the improvement of Jamaica and Jamaicans, and the youth is where our future is. We have been sponsors for Ballaz for the last three years and when they approached us about the scholarship fund, we didn't hesitate to say yes," Goodall said.

"Of course, there are criteria involved. They have to be good students, they have to maintain a B average in order to maintain the scholarship, and the boys have exceeded our expectations. They are wonderful, rounded boys and we are going to see them through GSAT," she added.

GREAT STRIDES

Andre Virtue, owner and director of Ballaz International Group Limited, said the programme has made great strides by solidifying a commitment to youth development and moulding winners on and off the field.

"Ballaz International is a football youth development programme that focuses on giving youth an opportunity, through the sport of football, to be successful in football and in life," Virtue said.

"It is going good so far, participating with Ballaz and going through a lot of training sessions. I am learning to improve my skills and my technique in football and my schoolwork. Education is the key," Chambers said.

Over the previous academic year, Chambers received three merits and held the leadership roles of class monitor and prefect.

According to Fellows' mother, Tricia Thomas, his decision to attend Jamaica College is heavily influenced by family - his father, brother and uncle all attended the prestigious high school. "His dream is to continue the 'true blue' tradition," Thomas said.

Over the previous academic year, Fellows received four certificates of achievement and commendations.