Manchester’s JN PEP Scholar dreams of a career in medicine

Twelve-year-old JN PEP Scholar for the parish of Manchester, Tami-Ann Clarke, is a young girl with big dreams. The Manchester High School student is hoping to one day become a doctor so that she can care for those who are ill.

Already she is charting her path to attaining that career goal as she was recently selected as a JN Primary Exit Profile (PEP) Scholar after receiving a score of 384.6 out of 400 in the PEP exams.

For Tami-Ann and her mother, Toyeisha Maxwell, the day the scholarship announcement arrived marked more than a milestone. It was a testament to resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding bond.

Described by her mother as a vibrant and focused child, Tami-Ann recalled feeling both surprised and overjoyed when she got the news that she was selected as a JN PEP Scholar.

“I felt really happy and shocked at the same time,” she said, her voice bubbling with excitement. The scholarship has opened a door for her, easing the financial strain and bringing her closer to fulfilling her aspiration to become a doctor.

For as long as she can remember, academic excellence has been a priority. From the early days of infant school, where she often topped her class, to excelling in the PEP exam, her focus has been unwavering. Her favourite subject, mathematics, is not just an academic pursuit for her; it’s a passion she believes will help her navigate life.

“I love how math can be used in so many ways to help you,” she explained, her enthusiasm evident.

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Behind her achievements stands her mother, a single parent whose dedication has been crucial to her daughter’s success. “From the moment I heard she was selected, I was filled with joy. God answered my prayer,” her mother said, her voice thick with pride and relief.

Raising a focused child has been both challenging and rewarding, Maxwell shared. The mother-daughter duo faced the hurdles together, sometimes sacrificing leisure for study, yet never losing sight of what mattered most. Their Seventh-day Adventist faith became a cornerstone in their journey, guiding decisions about weekend study sessions and instilling a sense of purpose.

When asked about the qualities that have driven her daughter to excel, her mother shared, “Tami-Ann is very focused and intelligent. She can sit with her books for hours, studying without distraction.”

For her, this scholarship is a confirmation of the sacrifices made, the late-night study sessions, and the determination to give her daughter the best.

Notaly Powell, Grade 6 teacher at Christiana Leased Primary and Infant School, who Tami-Ann credits for her success, expressed that her former student’s achievement came as no surprise.

“Tami-Ann demonstrates a remarkable level of maturity and serves as a positive role model for her peers,” Powell shared. “She is driven and knows exactly what she wants, always working diligently toward her goals. Beyond her academic strengths, she is also active in extracurricular activities, participating in sports and the Jamaica Moves club. Tami-Ann is truly an intrinsically motivated student.”

Tami-Ann is determined to inspire other students. “Stay focused and don’t pressure yourself too hard,” she advises other children. “Take breaks and remember to do your best without overwhelming yourself.”

As the family prepares for the exciting journey ahead, this scholarship is more than a financial boost; it’s a reminder of the strength in family, faith, and hard work.

A total of 47 scholarships were awarded by the JN Foundation. Of the amount, 37 were five-year awards: 14 parish scholarships; three JN Bank Easi-Save County scholarships; and 20 children of JN Group staff members who received the Building Excellence and Achieving More Success (BEAMS) scholarships. The remaining 10 awards were one-time grants presented by JN Money Services Limited to high-performing students who did not receive full scholarships.