Seven successful Common Entrance Examinations students have been awarded scholarships by the General Employees Co-operative Credit Union (GECCU).{{more}}

The students, along with other eligible applicants to the scholarship programme, were awarded during a Scholarship Award Ceremony held at the Methodist Church Hall under the theme “Follow Your Dreams”.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday August 10, 2011.

The seven scholarship recipients are Heather Lakhram, Caran Gordon, Maya Morgan, Alron Harry, Geran Maule, Gerard Porter and Alvania Simmons, a student from the Grenadines.

The students will receive assistance for the duration of their secondary education, other applicants were given $100 cash awards.

Urging the children to follow their dreams, motivational speaker, Dr. R. Twanna Browne-Ceasar also encouraged the children to STRIVE. Using a mnemonic which she said means ‘Speak up and Speak out’, ‘Think before you speak’, ‘Respect yourself and others’, ‘read and remember what you’ve read’, ‘iake Initiative’, ‘Volunteer’ and ‘Excel’.

Caesar Browne also advised the students to fully utilize their potential. “Your potential is unlimited, it is definitely not too early to plan your career and to begin thinking seriously about what you want to become in the future,” she said. She also encouraged the students gathered to equip themselves with the necessary skills needed to be successful in the future.

Also giving remarks was president of GECCU Philmore Issacs who urged the students not to take things in life for granted, such as the opportunity to have an education. He added that the students have great potential and in order for that potential to be realized, there must be an enabling and supportive environment, which begins with parents and family who love and provide for them.

Commending the students on their efforts thus far, Elaine Olliverre Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, stated that their efforts should not end here. She also encouraged the students to stay focused and to study hard during their secondary school years. “Set your goals and stay focused,” she added. She also advised the parents and teachers to lend their support to the students.

Leaving some inspiring words with the students, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee Marva Cato Robinson highlighted that students can achieve anything they put their mind to. “…You have to believe that you can do anything that you want to do, once you are prepared to work hard for it,” she said.

Scholarship recipient Alron Harry offered thanks to GECCU, parents and teachers on behalf of the other scholarship recipients. The ceremony also featured the talents of Cara Gordon who entertained the gathering with uplifting keyboard music renditions.