By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterGRACE FINANCIAL Services Division has made another contribution to the development of school cricket with the announcement yesterday of a scholarship for the top schoolboy cricketer who also excels academically.
The award, a shield and education grant, is to be named after chairman and CEO of Grace Kennedy Company, Douglas Orane, and was announced by Don Wehby, Chief Operating Officer, Financial Services Division, Grace Kennedy & Company Limited at yesterday's Grace Shield schoolboy cricket awards ceremony.
The award, to be presented annually starting this year and valued at $50,000, will go to the player who maintains the best academic record while performing consistently well in cricket during any year, Wehby said. "With the Shield, the "cash bonus is to assist in further education," he said.
Players will qualify for the incentive only after recommendation from their principal and the Inter-Secondary School Association (ISSA) will choose from a that list.
In delivering his speech, Wehby said, "we have contributed some $5.7 million to the Grace Shield in three years since we undertook sponsorship. In addition, this year we spent about $300,000 for the Under-16 competition.
"It is noteworthy that Norman Manley is the first team to have won the George & Branday A League and Grace Shield in one season. So hearty congratulations are also in order to them," he said.
Meanwhile, champions Norman Manley walked away with five awards. Apart from taking the Grace Shield, George & Branday Trophy and the group (C), they won two individual awards, Omar Allison (103 not out, century); Yannick Elliott (most A League wickets, 23).
Ardenne took home the Most Disciplined team award, while Eltham and St. Catherine shared the Under-16 title. The top four schools Norman Manley, Spanish Town, Jonathan Grant and Kingston College were given $25,000 each to help in their improvement.
