NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 13 NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024 12 EDMUND BARTLETT FEATURE EDMUND BARTLETT FEATURE East Central St James Scholarship Fund CHANGING LIVES DANIELLE HUIE, NURSE ADMINISTRATOR, UK I’m forever grateful to the St James Constituency Scholarship Fund and Hon Minister Edmund Bartlett for believing in me. I first received the scholarship in 2005 after GSAT exams and again in 2011 for my nursing degree. The financial support was crucial, allowing me to focus on studies. What stands out is Mr Bartlett’s personal dedication. When I struggled to meet deadlines for my NMC exam, he walked with me to the payment office, ensuring I could practise as a nurse. Thanks to this scholarship, I’ve become a registered nurse, working in Jamaica and the UK. I’ve impacted lives globally, and I’m now pursuing my Master’s in Healthcare Management. To Mr Bartlett and the scholarship team, thank you for investing in my education. Your support has been life-changing. You should be proud of the successes you’ve enabled – I certainly am. NIKEL ENNIS – STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, UK I’ll forever cherish the impact of Minister Bartlett’s scholarship on my academic journey. The financial support freed me from worrying about essentials like books and supplies, allowing me to focus on my studies. The recognition of my hard work and GSAT achievements boosted my confidence, smoothing my transition to high school. Most importantly, the scholarship created a sense of positive pressure, motivating me to excel and make the most of this opportunity. Minister Bartlett’s investment in my education has been life-changing. It not only eased financial burdens but also instilled confidence and drive, shaping me into the academic achiever I am today. CANDICE BECKORD – ATTORNEY I am Candice Beckord, an attorney from St James. This scholarship accompanied me through university, law school, and obtaining my practising certificate. Law school is expensive, but this fund brought comfort, alleviating financial stress for my parents and me. It allowed me to focus on studying and excel. To current recipients, I urge you: take advantage of this lifetime opportunity. You’ve worked hard, and this fund will support you through university, college, or practical institutions. I extend heartfelt gratitude to: 1. The entire team behind the St James Educational Welfare Fund. 2. Minister Bartlett, for his unwavering commitment to education, making our lives easier. NATANYA BARNES – HUGE BURDEN OFF MY SHOULDERS From challenging courses to meaningful extracurricular activities, my experience in college has been rich with moments of learning and personal development. However, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of the East Central St James Scholarship Fund. This financial aid lifted a huge burden from my family and allowed me to focus entirely on my education. It gave me the freedom to explore my passions, pursue internships, and participate in activities that have been vital to my growth. As a full-time student and mother, it wasn’t easy but it was all worth it. More importantly, it inspired me to give back to others, knowing that I had been given a chance to fulfil my dreams. TRACYANN THOMPSONMOODIE I aspired to become a great teacher from a very tender age. My journey began at a basic school in the constituency of East Central St James as a pre-trained teacher. During my tenure, I dreamt of studying at a teachers’ college to earn a degree. There were many challenges which had prevented this dream from becoming a reality – one such challenge was the inability to fund my education. My member of parliament, Edmund Bartlett, didn’t hesitate to help. He introduced me to the East Central St James Scholarship Fund, which aided me in completing my studies at the Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. Currently, I am a proud and qualified graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. This scholarship has made a significant change in my educational journey to excellence. AALIYAH WILLIAMS To Dr the Hon Edmund Bartlett, OJ, CD, MP, I write expressing sincere gratitude for the scholarship that supported my education from Muschett High School to the Montego Bay Community College. This opportunity has been a pivotal part of my journey and has directly contributed to my recent achievement of securing a position at Jamaica National Bank. Your generous support not only eased the financial challenges of pursuing my education but also motivated me to strive for excellence. I am deeply appreciative of your commitment to empowering students like myself, allowing us to reach our full potential. Thank you once again for believing in my dreams and investing in my future. I look forward to making a positive impact in our community, inspired by your leadership. TRICELLE POWELL Receiving the East Central St James scholarship at a crucial time in my life was a pivotal moment. As a young woman, it taught me that, despite the obstacles and limitations I faced, with effort and dedication, I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. The grant gave me the encouragement I needed to pursue my studies and transition to university. In fact, it served as a lifeline during the final stages of my undergraduate studies and was the key reason I was able to complete my university education. Today, I am an assistant language teacher on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme, and I’m also pursuing my master’s degree in psychology here in Japan One of the key lessons I took away from receiving the scholarship was the importance of believing in your potential and pushing beyond the limits of your circumstances. Trisha Beckford, a beneficiary of the East Central St James Scholarship Fund (left) collects her award from Edmund Bartlett, member of parliament for East Central St James and founder of the scholarship fund programme (right), during the progamme’s 27th staging at the Iberostar Hotel in Rose Hall, St James, on Wednesday August 25, 2024. ASHLEY ANGUIN/ PHOTOGRAPHER
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