BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – EIGHT high school students were formally inducted into the Warren Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme, which provides support to new secondary schoolers.
The ceremony was held on Saturday (Aug. 30) at the TDC Headquarters in Basseterre, where students, along with their parents, received certificates marking the start of their journey as scholarship recipients.
They were encouraged to believe in themselves and embrace the opportunities before them, as TDC reaffirmed its commitment to creating a platform for student success and the advancement of the Federation.
This year’s induction comes on the heels of notable academic success by several alumni who excelled in the Caribbean Examinations.
"As I was saying, it's a proud day for everyone at TDC whose hard work and dedication has allowed us to continue to support you, the future leaders of our Federation” Nicolas Menon, Executive Director and WC Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme Director, told the recipients.
He added: "Today we're here not just to celebrate academic achievement because you've all been very, very brilliant and performed well. But it's also to celebrate the promise of your futures, brighter futures, for you to live the dreams that you're establishing now and a beginning of a journey that will shape you professionally and educationally.”
Menon commended the students not only for their strong academic performance but also for demonstrating curiosity, kindness, and courage. “That's what this scholarship is all about. It's not just money for school. It's a vote of confidence in you and your futures.”
Also addressing the gathering was Ms. Londa Brown, Chief Education Officer in the Nevis Island Administration, who challenged the students to keep striving for excellence. She emphasized the value of community involvement in education, noting that partnerships like the one with TDC underscore the importance of supporting young people nationwide.
"You have made it here this morning because of your hard work and your dedication and your commitment to your dreams. Someone saw potential in you and decided that with the work that you're doing, you can reach unrecognizable heights if you get just a little bit of support. And that is what this scholarship is, some support for you. But it's more than just financial assistance," she said.
She continued:"It's a vote of confidence in your abilities. It's a commitment to your educational journey and an investment in your future. I hope that it reminds you that you are seen, that you are valued and that as a community, we believe in you!"
Brown also highlighted the role of parents, urging them to remain actively involved in their children’s lives as they transition into high school.
"Sometimes as they go to high school and they get older, it becomes a lot more difficult to show up and to show and support them. We see the crowds at spelling bees and competitions, they weigh in just a little bit, they get just a little less, but we encourage you to stick with them. It's a journey and they need you on the journey," she stressed
The TDC Warren C. Tyson Memorial Scholarship has been around since 1981.
