The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) celebrated Barbados’ rising stars yesterday at the National Ozone Depleting Substances Phase-Out Support Scholarship presentation, showcasing the achievements of young people committed to academic excellence.
The event, held at the institute’s Wildey, St Michael campus, was a powerful reminder of the SJPI’s dedication to empowering future leaders, with support from local corporate sponsors, Government entities and the Barbadian diaspora.
Principal Ian Drakes applauded the awardees’ achievements, noting this year’s ceremony not only highlighted individual success but was a show of resilience and dedication shared by all.
Drakes commended the accomplishments of three outstanding students who maintained grade point averages above 3.0, marking them as exemplars of academic dedication.
“This deserves a round of applause for our young people,” Drakes said, noting that their consistent performance secured both scholarships and recognition from the Barbadian diaspora, who have expanded their support to cover first-year recipients and continuing scholars.
“The diaspora of Barbados has stepped up to support these three outstanding students, in addition to the new awardees, showing real faith in our youth.”
The principal urged the broader SJPI community to take inspiration from these high-achieving students, challenging them to raise the bar and continue building on their successes.
“We want the other students to know they’ve got to do better than just three. Corporate Barbados has shown confidence in you and we want you to maintain that standard,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to long-standing partners in the scholarship programme, including the Barbados National Oil Company Limited (BNOCL), the Ministry of the Environment, HIPAC and various private supporters, Drakes described the event as a “big moment” for SJPI.
He said the sustained investment from corporate Barbados and the diaspora exemplified a shared commitment to nurturing the island’s next generation.
Looking ahead, Drakes said more organisations pledged support for future scholarships, thereby expanding opportunities for young people eager to join SJPI.
“We expect more persons to come on board next year,” he said, envisioning a bright future for future cohorts.
Drakes also gave a heartfelt message to the young scholars, encouraging them to be proud of their Barbadian roots while aspiring to become global citizens.
(CLM)
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