Scores of students at the Independence City Primary School have been recognised for academic excellence and discipline.
At the annual Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony, held recently at the school grounds in Portmore, St. Catherine, the students were presented with trophies and citations for their exemplary performance.
The event was held under the theme ‘We Achieve, We Believe, We Succeed’.
Principal of the school, Anne Geddes-Spence, commended the award recipients, who, she noted, exemplify the school’s motto ‘Strive for Excellence Through Discipline’.
“You have worked hard and hard work has paid off. Congratulations, young ladies and gentlemen from Independence City Primary School. We are so proud of you,” she said.
Mrs. Geddes-Spence urged the parents to continue to “affirm our students towards greatness”.
“As we celebrate our students… I ask us parents to continue to showcase, to uplift our institution. May we all see the world as it is happening at the Independence City Primary School and may we all embrace it wholeheartedly as we celebrate greatness,” she said.
Keynote speaker at the event, and two-time Press Association of the Jamaica (PAJ) Journalist of the Year, Giovannie Dennis, told the students that with good work they will stand out wherever they go.
“I never went to a big-name high school. You can excel, once you have the dedication, the discipline to do what you want to do and to do well in school. It is absolutely important for you to believe in yourself,” he said, while commending the school and encouraging parents to always inspire their children.
Chairman of the school board, Merlene Watson-Evans, said that the school is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its students.
“No matter how small the achievement, we celebrate. We are a school that celebrates, and I congratulate our awardees and encourage the others to strive for excellence through discipline,” she said.
Education Officer, Omar Thomas, also lauded the award recipients and their parents “for a job well done”.
Head Girl at the school, Nickayla Baker, who was among the honourees, expressed gratitude to the principal, teachers and parents.
“Our dedicated teachers, thank you for believing in us, encouraging us and pushing us to always do our best, even when the world challenges us. Your guidance has shaped us into confident and determined learners. To our parents and guardians, thank you for your constant support, sacrifices and encouragement,” she said.
