Mark Wedderburn, Rafael Brown and Jason McKay, representing Calabar's Class of 1984, providers of the $1 million scholarship. - CONTRIBUTED
CALABAR HIGH'S Class of 1984 has pledged a million-dollar scholarship to assist gifted students in paying fees for external examinations, starting this June.
The Red Hills Road-based school experienced a windfall year in 2005, both in academics and sports, winning the annual Schools' Challenge Quiz, Corporate Area Manning Cup and all-island Olivier Shield football titles, as well as basketball and cricket crowns.
SIGNIFICANT YEAR
Jason McKay, chief coordinator for the project, said the past year was a significant one for his alma mater, and that he believed boys who are talented but lack resources to further excel must be supported financially.
"Last year was, by far, the most outstanding year for us and could arguably be the best performance of any high school since the 1980s," said Mr. McKay.
"Those achievements need to be recognised by all of us who have benefited from Calabar," he added.
Melody Johnson, a guidance counsellor at Calabar, said the scholarship - $100,000 payable over 10 years - was a significant boost for the school's academic programme.
"There are many students who have difficulties paying fees in general, and this has provided them with the opportunity to do subjects they would like to do and not worry where the money will come from," said Ms. Johnson.
"Over the years, we've had students borrow money and have difficulty paying back, especially those students who really need it.
"The parents of the boys are very grateful for this opportunity and have expressed their gratitude to the Class of 1984. The entire staff of Calabar is also grateful," she added.
BENEFICIARIES
The first beneficiaries of the fund are Martin Reid, Dillon Williamson, Kemar O. Reid, Dwayne Ellis, Navardo Bailey, Carlos Peterkin, Oneil Davidson, Richard Jordon, Neilson Brown, Damian Freeman, Robert L. Palmer, Donville Hastings, Rushayne Stewart, Cavin McDonald, Merricardo Powell, Rasheed Collesso, Leonardo Lawrence, Nickardo Sayers, Andre Nunes, Sheldon Murray, Shamari Lynch and Ricardo Bryan.
