(l-r): Acting Consul General of Jamaica – NY, Derron McCreath; Secretary – KCOBA USA Inc, George Bell; Awardee, Geddes O. Alexander II; and UJAA’s President, Lesleyann Samuel.
Kingston College Old Boys Association USA Incorporated (KCOBA USA Inc.) was again proud to offer a scholarship award to the top performing male student at the Union of Jamaica Alumni Association USA Incorporated (UJAA) 26th Annual High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition. This student, Mr. Geddes O. Alexander II, graduated from Bard High School Early College in Manhattan with a high school diploma and an associate degree. Mr. Alexander’s achievement is symbolic of the astounding achievements of the honorees at the event. One speaker was so impressed with the accomplishments of the young graduates remarked, ‘some of these graduates resum¬es are longer than mine’. The association’s representative, George Bell, was honored to present the check to Mr. Alexander, and he took the opportunity to speak to the young man and his mom.
UJAA held its 26th Annual High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition on Monday, June 27, 2016. The event took place in the intimate and comfortable Edison O. Jackson Auditorium at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn, New York. The ceremony recognized outstanding students of Jamaican parentage, who graduated from high school in the USA and are heading to college. The nineteen (19) students selected were honored for their exceptional academic and extra-curricular achievements, and each received a UJAA award and cash. The program also facilitated an optional Essay Competition, which was interestingly entered by all the graduates. The grand prize for the essay competition is a trip to Jamaica, donated by Caribbean Airlines, for the winner and a chaperone.
The function was well attended by parents, other family members, friends of the honorees, teachers, sponsors, supporters, and members of the UJAA family. The event was efficiently coordinated by UJAA’s High School Graduate Awards Committee, chaired by Ms. Natasha Davids. The evening was graced with the presence of: Derron McCreath (Acting Consul General of Jamaica – NY); Dr. Waldaba Stewart (Senior Research Fellow, Medgar’s Caribbean Research Center); Ms. Lesleyann Samuel (president of UJAA); Ms. Karlene Largie (immediate past president of UJAA); Ms. (Erin Lue-Hing (Future Leader, Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board, NE); and the guest speaker, Ms. Sheree Carara (JAMPACT Board of Directors, Education Chair). Ms. Sharon Gordon did a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies, and she ended the program with the closing remarks. The gathering was then treated to refreshments by Panda House compliments of Medgar Evers College.
KCOBA USA Inc. is committed to events such as these, as the association continues Kingston College’s legacy of transforming young boys into educated and productive Christian gentlemen, here in our local communities. Our experiences at Kingston College, influenced by Bishop Gibson’s creed, taught us about the importance of education and its purpose as a vehicle of elevation for young people from humble beginnings. Accordingly, the association must and will continue to participate in events such as UJAA’s High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition and the MLK Maths competition in the Bronx. Thank you for your continued support and donations as the association executes its mandate of aiding young people, home and abroad.