José Martí past students hand out scholarships
The Jose Marti Technical High School Past Students’ Association recently awarded more than $2 million in scholarships and cash prizes to 100 deserving students and teachers from the institution.
The presentations were made during the 47th Founder’s Day Celebrations and Awards ceremony at the school’s campus in Twickenham Park, St Catherine recently. Students were rewarded for excellence in academics, sports and other areas, while members of the teaching staff were recognised for outstanding work.
President of the group, Alexander Shaw, encouraged the students to continue to excel. He noted that they can be inspired by the outstanding legacy of past students and teachers.
“You all have it within you to do well regardless of your socioeconomic standing or position now. If you are determined, then nothing can stop you from achieving your goals,” Shaw said. Cuba’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Fermin Quinones Sanchez, also urged the students to make the best of their education.
“All you have to do is continue studying and make your own efforts to be better men and women,” he said.
Social Historian and Director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Professor Verene Shepherd, commended Jose Marti on its achievements over the years, noting that the institution has taken many persons from “obscurity to prominence”.
Professor Shepherd, who is a past teacher at the institution, hailed the educators for their continued support to students through extra classes and other assistance.
Principal Dr Austin Wright noted that 47 years “is a very good milestone in the life of a school”. He thanked the past students’ association for giving back to the institution over the years and appealed for the benevolent efforts to continue.
Jose Marti Technical, which was founded in 1977, is a gift from the Government and the people of Cuba to the Government and people of Jamaica.