Dr. Drew launches the Helena Saunders Memorial Award
Basseterre, St. Kitts (CUOPM) — Another youngster in the Federation is the beneficiary of a primary school scholarship.
Well-known community activist and past student of the Deane-Glasford Primary (formerly St. Peter’s Primary), Dr. Terrance Drew, has launched a new scholarship award geared towards helping students reach their full potential.
He made the announcement at his alma mater’s 40th anniversary graduation ceremony at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church held under the theme ‘Think Big: Excellence Is an Attitude towards Your Future.’
Dr. Drew used the opportunity to disclose details of The Helena Saunders Memorial Award, named in honour of his late maternal grandmother.
The award, which is to be presented to a deserving child each graduation year, is intended to assist students who have “great potential but just need a little more encouragement to achieve their goals.”
The 2014 recipient, Jahlanie Pemberton of Parray’s Village, was presented with the award at Tuesday’s graduation ceremony.
Dr. Drew has credited his late grandmother, who was affectionately called ‘Baba,’ for instilling in him the values of a attaining a sound education for which he would always be thankful.
He shared with the audience, in particular the parents, her seriousness about good punctuality and attendance at school and also the completion of homework.
“As a young man I thought she was being tough but as I got older I recognised she had little financially but spiritually she was rich and you too must be like that .So think big for your child because they can do it.”
Dr. Drew admonished the 2014 graduating class, comprising of 10 girls and 12 boys, to think big as it pertains to their future success.
“In order for you to succeed in life you must have impactful thoughts; big thoughts, transcending thoughts… thoughts that are outside your present reality. I want each and every one of you to think about what you want to be and never allow your present situation to dictate what you can be in the future. Think outside the box. Think beyond your boundaries and if you do what is necessary you will be successful.”
Additionally, he schooled the youngsters about staying focused.
“When you start to think big and you start to have all these big dreams, there is a journey but the journey sometimes can be difficult. There is no easy journey. I would tell you something that in life, anything that is worth having you have to work hard for it.
And on that journey you will find many detractors and your detractors when they see where you are going, they will try to remind you of your past as if your past will determine where you will end up. And so I want to tell you today… never allow that to determine your destination.
You can go wherever you want to go as long as you’re willing to work hard.”