PM Drew salutes 2023 Susanna Lee scholars

ST KITTS AND NEVIS PRIME MINISTER, DR TERRANCE DREW HAS EULOGISED THE 13 SUSANNA LEE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS praising their stellar while asserting their right to deserved national recognition.

“I am proud to be afforded the opportunity to witness the induction of a new slate of students as recipients of the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship. The theme ‘Thriving for Excellence’ is quite fitting as it speaks to exactly what is required of you as a scholarship recipient. It is a reward for your hard work and commitment to academia and a reinforcement to continue to be relentless in your academic pursuits and strives for the best,” the PM said to the newest high school scholarship awardees.

This year’s inductees are Tamyiah Hodge and Joshyan Percival of the Washington Archibald High School; Jah-Rule Ryan of the Cayon High School; Tariek Hendricks – Basseterre High School; Anaikwan Dormoy – Verchilds High; Shequan Liddie, Denyjah Matthew and K’Zenique Flemming of Charles E. Mills Secondary; Vaydan Clarke-Neal and Kezia Phillip of the Gingerland Secondary School; Jayisha Christopher of Charlestown Secondary; and Yeshua Langley and Raiden Blair of the Saddlers Secondary School.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES WITH THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Drew reminded that the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship was a gift to the nation following its political independence in 1983. He disclosed that over the past 40 years the scholarship has offered financial support to over 200 students, with over EC$2M invested in direct support of the scholars.
“Social Security understands the significance of investing in our youth. We recognize the need to make available resources to transform, empower, mold, and guide our youth so that they can thrive and successfully accomplish their dreams. This scholarship programme is an excellent steppingstone,” Drew said.
He said it is a wonderful opportunity for winners of the award to pursue their fields of study hassle-free, giving access to prospects that they wouldn’t otherwise have had access to.
“I was also a scholarship recipient in high school, although not through this programme, and it transformed my life. It trained me to set realistic goals, remain focused, and push my limits. The internship opportunities taught me the necessary soft skills needed as a professional…skills that I exercise to this day,”; Drew recalled.

L-R: MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER HON. DR. GEOFFREY HANLEY; PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF SOCIAL SECURITY HON. DR. TERRANCE DREW

He pointed out that the Social Security Board’s Susanna Lee High School Scholarship offers brand awareness, educating young scholars on the function of the organisation.

“This is a great start. It allows you a chance to jumpstart your career. You are given an advantage over your peers…an opportunity to transition easily into employment”.
“In fact, I am aware of at least three of our past scholars who are now fully employed with us here at Social Security: Shamaar Joseph, Kimmoy Brathwaite, and Oneilia Mulraine,” he explained.
Dr Drew disclosed there are also several other notable persons within society who have passed through this scholarship programme: “Johan Kelly, Leslie ‘Sugar Bowl’ Morton; Miguel Thomas; Gina Joseph; Dr. Tishanna Hazel; Dr. Chanella Nisbett; Rol-J Jeffers; Marsha Griffin; Shavane Joseph-Williams; Zwena Jones; Mark Brantley, to name a few. Medical professionals, entrepreneurs, business professionals, educators, and the Premier of Nevis. They are a testament to the possibilities that can be attained,” Dr Drew said.
In a passionate appeal to the recipients, the PM who is also responsible for Social Security urge them to maximise every convenience afforded to them through this programme.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES WITH SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY BOARD

“Use it as an asset to building your resume, character, and discipline. Be intentional,” he counselled.
“Challenges will come, but how you conquer them is dependent on you. You must know your strengths and weaknesses and push through in your unique way. It is important to note that perseverance is of paramount importance. Don’t ever give up. Pause, evaluate, recalibrate, and get back at it because a scholarship opens doors to vast possibilities,”; the Prime Minister reminded.
“You are not here by accident; you are here because you have promise…because you have worked hard. You have a bright and open future ahead of you, be wise, remain focused, and be bold,” he declared.

Since it commenced some 40 years ago, 238 students have so far won the prestigious high school award