THIRTEEN NEW SCHOLARS INDUCTED INTO THE SUSANNA LEE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, 24th February 2023 — In a brief ceremony, thirteen new students were inducted into the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship Award funded by the Social Security Board. This marked the 39th installment since inception in 1983.

The following Students from the various public high schools across the Federation were awarded on Thursday 23rd February 2023 at the Social Security Headquarters in Basseterre, in the presence of Prime Minister and Minister of Social Security,
Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities, Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Members of the Social Security Board, representatives from the Ministry of Education, parents and well-wishers amongst others.

Tamyiah Hodge Washington Archibald High School
Joshyan Percival Washington Archibald High School (one-time assistance)
Jah-Rule Ryan Cayon High School
Tariek Hendrickson Basseterre High School
Anaikwan Dormoy Verchilds High School
Shequan Liddie Charles E. Mills Secondary School
Denyjah Matthew Charles E. Mills Secondary School
K’Zenique Flemming Charles E. Mills Secondary School (one-time assistance)
Vaydan Clarke-Neale Gingerland Secondary School
Kezia Phillip Gingerland Secondary School (one-time assistance)
Jayisha Christopher Charlestown Secondary School
Yeshua Langley Saddlers Secondary High School
Raiden Blair Saddlers Secondary High School (one-time assistance)

The ceremony commenced with the National Anthem and invocation followed by Welcome Remarks delivered by the Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, Board Member, Mrs. Gillian Blake who welcomed the students into the scholarship programme and made mention of one of the earliest awardees of the Social Security Board Susanna Lee Scholarship in the person of Hon. Mark Brantley, Premiere of Nevis. Mrs. Blake in speaking to the students said: “I implore you to reap dividends from this investment, be reminded as Benjamin Franklyn penned “An investment in education would pay you the most interest”, value this award and ensure that you utilize it to assist you with your educational development.” Later Mrs. Blake to the parents said: “Parents, guardians, we urge you to support them as they pursue their educational goals. It is a competitive world, and they will need you as pillars to bolster them when the going gets tough.”

Following Mrs. Blakes remarks, Hon. Dr. Terrence Drew, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Social Security et al, spoke with great pride of the institution’s commitment to investing in the youths of our Federation, and the drive to readily make available resources to transform, empower, mold and guide our youth so that they can thrive and successfully accomplish their dreams. The Honourable Prime Minister stated: “the theme Striving for Excellence is quite fitting as it speaks to exactly what is required of you as scholarship recipients, it is an award for your hard work and commitment to academia and a reinforcement to continue to be relentless in your academic pursuits and thrive for the best”

Ms. Kadisha Glasgow, former Social Security Board Scholarship Holder and Staff Member, in the featured address spoke of the importance of settling for nothing but the best. “I had to pour into my potential. I realized that I did not fit into second place”, Ms. Glasgow stated. She spoke of the many sleepless nights and prayers to gain success and shared her journey through Primary School, through College and now her stint working in the Finance and Investment Department of the Social Security Board. In her presentation, Ms. Glasgow highlighted four hallmark characteristics for success: 1. develop a mindset for success, a vision for yourself that will fuel and propel you. 2. Determination, foster an attitude of focus to decide the outcome. 3. Optimism, being hopeful and confidence about the future or the successful outcome even when you have failed many times before. 4. Evaluation, Evaluate and self reflect to assess your progress, strengths and weaknesses.

The evening progressed with a rendition in song and a photo slide show highlighting the theme “Thriving for Excellence” and the history of the program. Musician Jermaine James awed the entire room in song. Ms. Denyjah Matthew, a new inductee, confidently delivered the first Expression of Appreciation, while fifth form Graduate, Caribbean’s Top Female CXC-CCSLC Student of the Cohort, Ms. Joshornnia Edwards eloquently delivered the second Expression of Appreciation.

The Certificates of Induction to the new awardees were presented by Mrs. Janet Harris, Chairperson of the Social Security Board, while Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education et al presented certificates to the graduates who recently completed High School.

The symbolic signing of the Commitment Agreement was completed by the parents/guardians of the awardees who agreed to support their child/ward’s learning.

Ms. Aamira Williams, former Social Security Board Scholarship Holder and Member of Staff, delivered the Vote of Thanks.

The program was chaired by Mr. Leon Charles, Legal Officer Social Security Board.

Congratulations are in order to the Board’s High School Scholars for recording the following CSEC passes:

Joshornnia Edwards Verchilds High School
14 subjects, 9 Grade One passes

Curmarl Stevens Saddlers High School
12 subjects, 7 Grade One passes

Rhoyanna Warner Basseterre High School
11 subjects, 3 Grade One passes

Tyiana Williams Charlestown Secondary School
9 subjects, 7 Grade One passes

Princess Simon Washington Archibald High School
9 subjects, 4 Grade One passes

Devery Lewis Gingerland Secondary School
9 subjects

Tipharah Browne Charles E. Mills Secondary School
8 subjects, 1 Grade One pass
The 40th installment of the Social Security Board Susanna Lee Scholarship Induction Ceremony would be held in September 2023.

Since 1983, the Social Security Board has offered High School Scholarships to students with great potential who with the necessary support are assisted to attain their educational goals. The Alumni now stands at 238.

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For more information, please contact:
Ms. Kamilah Lawrence, Public Relations Manager, St. Christopher & Nevis Social Security Board
Phone: 869 465 2535 ext 2604
nEmail: klawrence@socialsecurity.kn