JNBS Awards GSAT Scholarships to 16 Employees’ Children

Sixteen children of employees of Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and its subsidiary companies in the JN Group were awarded Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) Scholarships, based on their performance of more than 85% in the examination.

The students, whose parents work at all levels in the JN Group, represented almost 50% of the 33 JN Scholars who were presented with awards at the 2013 Scholarship Reception, held at the Society’s Half-Way-Tree Branch, in St Andrew on September 8.

The JN Scholars were reminded by Maximilian Campbell, JN Group Human Resource Development, Executive, that “change was constant,” and as they moved from primary to high school they should be “positive and confident.”

He also encouraged students to listen carefully, to ask questions, and make relevant comments in class.  “Remember you are scholars and you are there to question, in order to learn, raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged at all times.”

Children of JN Group employees, who received scholarships, include : Akil Samuels, Bryanna Neil, Chazrick Davidson, Chelsey-Ann Grant, Davin Simpson, Jammie-Lee Waller, Justin Grey, Kae-shanae Virgo, Khalya Henry, Michka-Mae Hyde, Najila Taylor, Nicholas Butler and Rajae Francis.

At the reception, three of the other awardees spoke about their ambitions and what they were hoping  to accomplish in high school.

Gavin Davis, formerly of the St Peter and Paul Preparatory School, who is now attending Ardenne High School, said that he hopes to become a Veterinarian. He was also, “looking forward to participate in drums corps, cricket and tennis as extra-curricular activities.”

His mother, Suzanne Hendricks, Marketing Communications Specialist with JNBS, spoke about Gavin’s preparation for the GSAT. “Gavin had to do a lot of extra lessons at school and on weekends and also completed past papers, to guarantee his success.”

Abbigale Campbell, hopes to be either a Meteorologist or Nurse; and was successful in being placed at the Bishop Gibson High School for Girls, the school of her choice, after studies at McIntosh Memorial Primary School.

In order to devote enough time to her GSAT studies, Abbigale gave up privileges, such as watching television; and paid special attention to subjects, particularly “Communication Tasks, Social Studies and Science.”

She also received encouragement from her mother, Lorna Sinclair, Support Officer at the JNBS Christiana Branch, who “helped her with her homework; and ensured that she familiarised herself with the questions that were coming, especially in Communication Tasks.”

Aegean Hall, formerly of the Roseau Primary School, secured a place at Wolmer’s Boys’ School, even as he continued to participate in extra-curricular activities, such as cricket and the Science Club. He said that his strategy for success was to, “Study hard and read ahead of the class.”

Aegean, who plans to be a Theoretical Physicist, received support from his father, Peter Hall, who works in the Registry Department at JN General Insurance Company Limited (JNGI).

Mr Hall acknowledged that while Aegean is a capable student who excels in his academic efforts, “he also loves reading, drawing, playing football and overall, is an average young man.”

Mr. Campbell also urged the students to love learning, grasp opportunities, be balanced, invest in their character, and fulfill their dreams.