Keandra Stay awarded 2024 Philbert Chambers Memorial Scholarship as 84 receive Police Scholarships
AT THE AGE OF 11, Keandra Stay successfully secured a spot on the Under- 16 National Netball team, earning recognition as the youngest player in the Caribbean tournament. Her team is preparing to take on Trinidad’s National Under-16 team this weekend. Even as Stay prepared for that tournament, she was demonstrating gratitude as she received the scholarship granted in memory of slain fallen police officer, Philbert Chambers. The award was made at the annual Police scholarship award ceremony held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 which saw 84 children of police officers receiving scholarships to begin secondary school in September.
Stay expressed being “elated, “because I have help to go to school…it will be very beneficial.”
The past student of the Fancy Government School will enter the Girls’ High School in September.
“I’m feeling very proud of myself,” she remarked, “I’m planning to continue with my netball career, and I want to be a teacher, but I’m not sure as yet.”
Her mother, Nelsia Stay, said she felt emotional about Keandra’s achievement, and described her daughter as a determined, hard worker.
“I’m very proud of her. Keandra is a fun person; she loves people, and when she sets her mind to something, she will go after it. As soon as she finished the exams (CPEA), she came home and said, ‘Mommy, I passed to go Girls High’.”
The mother said it is this same drive that her daughter takes onto the netball court. “It’s her love, it’s her passion, so she’s very good at it,” her mom remarked.
Stay is advising parents to support their children and to encourage them in their interests as she emphasised the importance of being there and showing them love.
The police awarded a total of 84 scholarships and 20 bursaries to students who successfully completed their Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPES) and will enter various secondary schools this year.
The scholarships, funded by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), the SVG Police Co-operative Credit Union (SVGPCCU), and the SVG Ex-Police Association, will support students through their secondary and college education as well.
Recipients will receive a transportation allowance of $100 per school term; all secondary and tertiary education books, as well as a Bible, and other essential school supplies.
The scholarship also covers all secondary and tertiary school fees, including activity fees, computer lab fees, and examination fees.
Bringing words of encouragement at the ceremony was Timothy Scott, a former teacher and past recipient of a police scholarship.
Using the theme, “Preparing our youths today for leadership tomorrow and beyond”, the mathematician spoke of the importance of preparation, and emphasised that students should be prepared for leadership roles.
“A plan is like a vision. It’s like a road map. I once was told where there is no vision, the people perish, and if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.Your preparation is a new hope that in tomorrow’s world, you will be able to make some worthwhile contribution.”
Scott also encouraged the students to stay focused and trust in God, while also warning them against misusing technology.
“Students, do not allow social media and the use of technology to dictate your path which in the end can be disruptive as you go along life’s journey.
Remember that you are being prepared for leadership tomorrow and beyond. There are many forces out there which may hinder you along the way. Be steadfast, be focussed, trust in the Lord.”
Acting Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams; Vice President of the SVG Police Co-operative Credit Union, Kathleen Nanton-Davis; and former Commissioner, Michael Charles representing the SVG Ex-Police Association also gave words of encouragement to the students and their parents.
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