Twenty-seven students who chalked up outstanding performances in the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) were rewarded yesterday when they received scholarships from Blue Cross Jamaica, covering their five-year tenure at high school.

The presentations were made at the company's 13th annual scholarship awards ceremony held yesterday at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.

Twelve of the scholarships were granted to the children of subscribers of the Government Employees Administrative Services Only health scheme managed by Blue Cross. The other 15 have been presented to children of Blue Cross employees.

This year's scholarships total $1.85 million.

Keynote speaker, Rheima Holding-Hall, encouraged the students to start the academic year running, not dawdling.

She urged the awardees to be active in every area of their school life and not to confine themselves to academic pursuits.

President and CEO of Blue Cross, Professor Errol Morrison, emphasised the importance of good manners, healthy habits, and respect for other people's property, arguing that persons with no values produce nothing of value.