SCHOLARSHIPS TO GO FEATURE | THE GLEANER | THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2025 17 ALMOST 25 years later, Dwight Walters, now a marketing manager, can still readily access his certificate and trophy, tangible representations of his Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) Scholarship award from the VM Group (then Victoria Mutual Building Society) in 2000. For him, the financial assistance represented more than just a comfortable transition through Charlemont High, one of St Catherine’s most prominent secondary institutions. “The scholarship was a big deal for me. At the time, it would have been a struggle for my parents to finance my high school education due to our circumstances and the fact that there were other siblings to cater to. It not only eased my financial burden but also reinforced the fact that my hard work and dedication could lead to tangible rewards, so I was motivated to work harder and make the most of the opportunity,” Walters shared. Years later, that realisation continues to drive his actions as he sets new goals and strives to make a positive impact. After high school, he successfully completed undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in marketing and business studies at the Excelsior Community College, all while playing a prominent role in student government and other volunteer activities. Now pursuing a postgraduate diploma in teaching and learning, Walters is currently the manager for the Office of Marketing, Media & Communications, and adjunct lecturer at the institution. He is quick to point out that the assistance and interaction with the VM Foundation instilled in him a sense of purpose and responsibility to give back. These days, he balances work and study with several volunteer roles, including serving as a Justice of the Peace, youth motivational speaker, and director of Youth Inspiring Positive Change Jamaica, actively contributing to youth empowerment. He encourages others to believe in the power of persistence and determination and be open to learning. “Work hard and one day, someone will recognise you, just as VM came through for me unexpectedly, in my time of need,” he advised. Contributed Dwight Walters, VM Foundation Scholarship Recipient. VM FOUNDATION VM Scholar, Dwight Walters Where are they now
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