2013 Natta Scholars Awarded

[July 3 2013] Basseterre, St. Kitts – The William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded its 2013 scholarship to two ambitious and accomplished students at the Tucker-Clarke Primary School. This year’s recipients were 12 year-old Shonell Richards and 11 year-old Timothy Martin.

At a ceremony held Monday July 1, the students were presented with a trophy, cash award as well as two gift certificates redeemable at Schools Apex Co-Operative and Laws Bookstore. Each scholarship applicant also received a small gift of tech gadgets and educational tools compliments of the ICT4EDC project.

As part of the awards ceremony, the students enjoyed a keynote speech by Samal Duggins, founder and CEO of Island Xpressions Media and Marketing Company. Mr. Duggins, speaking under the theme “Why Not You?” shared with students how he dreamed at a young age of becoming an entertainer and the lack of support he got when he shared that goal with family and friends. Despite the lack of encouragement, Duggins told the students that he pushed himself and excelled in school eventually establishing his own business, which now operates the successful Island Xpressions poetry & open-mic night, creates innovative commercials, video documentaries and more. Duggins encouraged the young students to dream big and to pursue their passions no matter what obstacles may come their way.

The award recipients and other Tucker-Clarke students in attendance also heard inspiring messages from Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin who urged the students to use the scholarship opportunity as an incentive to excel academically, in sports and other aspects of their lives. Education Officer Debbie Isaac echoed a similar theme to the students, encouraging them to give back to their community and to reach for their goals. She also thanked the Natta family for the foresight of establishing the Scholarship Fund.

This year’s scholarship recipients are testimony to the awards of determination and focus. Shonell is a member of the New Town Grassroots Football Academy, plays netball and also participates in track & field. This exceptional young lady says she will study hard in order to become a nutritionist or a detective.

Timothy is an aspiring scientist and states that he would love to invent new gadgets. He also would like to help all of the homeless and sick children across the globe. He is an avid speller and is a member of the Boys Brigade.

The William Marcus Natta Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in April 2010 to support students in grades five and six who demonstrate academic excellence, sound moral character and passion for community service. Each year, two students, a male and female, are selected for the scholarship award.

Visit www.nattascholarshipfund.org for more information and ‘like’ the Fund on Facebook.