Successful recipient Nickeisha Reid being presented with her scholarship sum by Wilfred 'Jacksie' Reid, while Glenroy Griffiths (left), chairman of the scholarship fund, and Eda McLaren, committee member, look on. - George Henry

GSAT awardees from Chudleigh Path in Manchester who performed well in that national primary school examination each year can now work towards acquiring scholarships for high school.

This following the official launch of the Chudleigh Path Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Wilfred 'Jacksie' Reid Scholarship recently.

The scholarship, which is named after former longstanding councillor for the Walderstan division, Wilfred Reid, was launched at the Community of Christ Church at Chudleigh, Manchester, in the presence of the former councillor, as well as member of parliament for north east Manchester, Audley Shaw, and members of the JAS in that parish.

It is to be awarded to the son or daughter of a member of the Chudleigh Path JAS branch who is successful in the GSAT examination.

Giving an overview of the scholarship fund, chairman of the scholarship committee, Glenroy Griffiths, outlined that in addition to being the most successful GSAT awardee, the successful student must exhibit qualities synonymous with the life of Wilfred Reid. These he said include demonstration of leadership and academic skills and being actively involved in areas of school and community life. In addition, the awardee should be in need of financial assistance.

Griffiths explained that the scholarship, which will see its first recipient receiving $20,000, will be reviewed after the first of three years in the first instance; and if it is considered favourable by its board of directors, will be extended to years two and three. He said the total value in year two will be $40,000 and in year three $60,000, with a review following year two.

"The first recipient could qualify for sponsorship for the second year. However, the continuation of the scholarship will not be automatic, but will be based on the child's academic performance after year one," explained Griffiths.

He stressed that a similar review will take place after year two and if considered favourable by the board of directors, the tenure of the scholarship will be extended and as a consequence the first recipient, could qualify for sponsorship for the third year when the scholarship amount would total $60,000.

Griffiths pointed out that the commitment of $60,000 per year as of year three, will be for a period of 10 years in the first instance, and it will be up for review at the end of the 10th year.

Griffiths said following the release of the GSAT results this year, students were encouraged to apply for the scholarship, his scholarship committee met and interviews were conducted; and one applicant met the criteria for selection as the first recipient.

The successful student for this year is Nickeisha Reid, who attended the Christiana Leased Primary School and who will be going to Knox College. Reid in expressing joy at being the first recipient, said she was extremely happy because her success in the GSAT examinations came as a result of the hard work she and her teachers put in, in preparation for her sitting them.

Scoring all her subjects in high 80s, young Reid said when she goes to Knox she will be working hard to continue her academic success in preparation to becoming a medical doctor after leaving high school.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Chudleigh Path JAS Branch, Rev Dr Donald Johnson, in his opening remarks, said scholarship winners are expected to continue to do well and to demonstrate high levels of critical thinking, and apply knowledge, skills, understanding and ideas to complex situations.

Wilfred Reid's son, Franklyn, who was the guest speaker at the function, said he and his siblings are committed to the scholarship fund for another 10 years. He said the scholarship will be available from his family over the years to come and he is happy to be associated with the JAS branch to see to its proper functioning.