Students win big prizes in Wellness Competition

For their writing and artistic skills as well as their knowledge of the concept of health and wellness, 21 students from 14 schools across Jamaica were rewarded with cash scholarships, trophies and educational gift items. The top six students each received $100,000 scholarships to be disbursed over a period of five years, renewable each year based on the students academic performance.

The students were all participants in the first Schools Wellness Club Essay and Poster Competition. They collected their prizes at the competition’s prize-giving ceremony held at Blue Cross of Jamaica recently.

The competition tested the artistic and writing skills of the over 272 students from 74 schools across the island who entered the competition which was staged in three categories; category A – ages 7-9; category B ages 10-13 and category C ages 14-16.

In the essay competition, Omarie Morgan, of Windward Road All Age emerged winner in category A. Garfeisha Smith of Whitfield All Age was the winner in category B, while Lathania Brown of Immaculate Conception High School won category C.

In the poster competition, Inverness Primary and Infant School student Vanessa Miller, won the top prize in category A, while Sherene Francis, also of Inverness Primary and Infant School, won the top prize in category B. Courtney Haynes of Ardenne High School was the winner in category C.

First and second place winners in all categories received prizes of gifts, gift certificates and trophies.

Speaking at the function, Emile Spence, Executive Manager for Marketing congratulated the principals, teachers and parents for working tirelessly with the students. According to Mr. Spence “We strongly believe in the total education of our students, not only through what is taught in the classroom, but also through activities that contribute to your physical, mental and financial growth.

And, according to David Garel, Vice-President Sales and Marketing at Blue Cross of Jamaica, the Schools Essay and Wellness Competition is an offshoot of the School’s Wellness Club, an extra curricular programme developed by Blue Cross of Jamaica, Jamaica National Building Society and Andrew’s Memorial Hospital for all school age children in Jamaica.

Mr. Garel revealed that the programme’s objectives include assisting students and their families to meet their physical, financial, intellectual, spiritual and mental health needs, whilst contributing to the well being of school staff, the creation of healthy school environment and maximizing school achievement through the efforts of increased awareness of wholesome health practices, knowledge and wise financial management.