Twenty-six of the country’s top up and coming students were recently recognized by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their academic and extra curricular achievements.{{more}}

The recognition and accolades were heaped on the students, as the Club hosted its annual George Phillips Excellence Awards and luncheon on Thursday, June 2, at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

The fourth form students, one from each secondary school, were awarded for their endeavors in the classroom as well as positive character traits that set them apart from their peers.

The awards, which were named after the Club’s first president and has been presented for close to two decades, saw the awards being presented by Phillip’s widow Ruby.

Phillips, who died in 1996 at the age of 64, was described as an outstanding individual who exemplified the traits that the Club desires from the awardees. He was described as a humorous, humble man with a humanitarian spirit, and was a champion of youth development who looked for scholarship opportunities for local students every and any chance he got.

The ceremony over the years has been endorsed by the Ministry of Education, and apart from the certificate of recognition from the club, the students were also given copies of the book ‘Be Inspired’, written by Rotary Past President Jules Ferdinand and a savings account with $100, compliments the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The students were addressed by Lawyer Akin John, Ministry of Education representative Dixton Findlay, and Rotarian Lisa Casio, the Club’s Literacy Coordinator, who encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence.(JJ)