Photo: (left) Rainford Bloomfield, President of the Kingston College Old Boys’ Association USA Inc. (NY Chapter) and (right) Dr. Leroy Stephenson son of late old boy, Ronald N. Stephenson, flank the Ronald N. Stephenson Shcolarship recepients. Over 100 boys who attend Kingston College benefitted from over $JMD4Million this year.
Over 100 boys who attend Kingston College benefitted from the on-going scholarship programme at the school in November, when they were provided with individual scholarships amounting to over $JMD4Million this year.
The Kingston College Old Boys’ Association USA Inc. (NY Chapter) Scholarship Programme which began in 1982 has benefitted some 700 boys over the years who have excelled in academics, track and field, football basketball, and other extra-curricular activities.
In order to qualify for the scholarship programme an evaluation is done which includes the students socio-economic need, proven academic capacity, high measure of character, strong leadership potential and recommendations
The recipients are awarded; full tuition including book rentals and additional educational expenses such as books, lunch, bus fares and up to uniforms.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Rainford ‘Perry’ Bloomfield, President of the NY Chapter said, “…not every student has a direct sponsor so we have a general event to raise funds for the scholarship programme. We are excited that it is growing. Four years ago we (the New York chapter) offered 30 scholarships and we are now at 65. Kingston College Old Boys Association GA Inc. (Atlanta Chapter) is offering 50 scholarships this year, up from 30 last year.” Dr. Glen Laman, President of KCOBA Atlanta established the George Thompson Memorial Scholarship in 2009.
He reminded the boys that, “…our Founder, Bishop Gibson life change for the better when he got a scholarship at 14 years old. People believe in you, people want to give you an opportunity to get your education because we believe that your education is the fundamental thing that you need to get ahead.
“You need to do your best with your school work, you need to have good conduct, you need to participate because it’s not just about book work, it’s also about how you participate in extra-curricular activities that makes for the rounded student. Bishop Gibson believed in that. It is no surprise that even though Kingston College is only 90 years old, wehavebeen the top name in sports in Jamaica.”
Also speaking at the event were Dr. Leroy Stephenson son of late old boy, Ronald N. Stephenson represent his family who are sponsors of the Ronald N. Stephenson Memorial Scholarships – New York’s largest supporter for scholarshipsand Jovae Taylor a sponsorship recipient who is now studying medicine at the University of the West Indies.
Dr. Hugh Wilson sponsorsthe NY Chapter’s oldest on going individual scholarship established in 1990 – The Wilson-Saunders Scholarship.
Torrain Finlay, a 12 Science student and current scholarship recipient has been receiving a scholarship since being in the eighth grade.
“I was given this scholarship when I was in 8 Decarteret and from there on it has been a real blessing for me. It has helped me tremendously. I remember days when I wasn’t able to come to school because I didn’t have lunch money. Ever since I have been given this scholarship my attendance has been much better as well as my academics.
“This scholarship has yielded a lot of great things, I have been topping my class and my grade for quite some time now, 3rd form, 4th form and 5th form. I recently did the CSEC exams, I got 10 1’s, a 2 and 3. The scholarship has helped tremendously and I am really grateful. I want to extend the greatest gratitude the donors and I will continue to do well. So just trust in me and I will trust in God and work hard and do you proud, thanks once again.”
The program is managed by the Guidance Counsellor, Mrs. Sonia Watson and Vice Principal, Marguerita Douglas-Hall along with the scholarship committee in NY. Scholarships are also extended to old boys at tertiary institutions in Jamaica, Cuba, France, and the United States.
The programme boasts a 100% graduation rate, 85% of the recipients matriculate to tertiary institutions and all recipients excel outside the classroom and some represented Jamaica in sports and music.Scholarship recipients have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers and even a playwright, among other career accomplishments.
Bloomfield, the President of the Kingston College Old Boys’ Association USA Inc,is encouraging Old Boys, and friends to get involved and honor the memories of a parent, teacher or fellow KCOB by funding a scholarship in their name. Contact the association info@kcobany.org or contribute online: www.kcobany.org/donations.aspx.
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