CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – FOR almost a year, Troy Willock wondered how he could arrive at a plan to encourage the youths of the Eden Brown Church of God at Butlers to continue striving for excellence. Eventually, the idea of awarding the top academic achievers was birthed.
Willock, a member of the church and a businessman, said he approached Pastor Davidson Morton with the idea and after it was approved he put his plan into motion.
The result was the presentation of awards to the church’s top students at the Test of Standards, CSEC and CAPE. A prize was also awarded for the child with the best attendance record at Sunday school. Willock said he added the Sunday school prize so that children would be encouraged to attend. He also thought of having a prize for the pre-school children but realised there were not enough of them at the church.
Copping the prize for the Test of Standards was Truvhana Richards while Techyna David claimed the one at CSEC and Carve Williams at CAPE. The Sunday school prize went to Diandre Archibald.
Willock told SKNVibes: “I think it is a good gesture to encourage the youth of the church. Not just for this one time but for them to continue to push hard in their studies.”
Willock said he has made donations before but, on this occasion, decided to take a different approach.
“Money could always be spent but they would always be encouraged when they look at a plaque.”
He urged other members of the church and community to encourage children in whatever way they could, noting it takes a community to raise child.
“Life is so different from when I was growing up. There are so many gadgets preventing children from focusing on the principal.”
The presentation took place at Eden Browne on Sunday, October 4.
