Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Awards 7 Student-Athletes Academic Scholarships – See Photos
The Pocket Rocket Foundation granted seven student-athletes from six schools islandwide scholarships valued at $100,000 at the 10th staging of its award ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
A pool of 72 students applied, however, the successful candidates allocated the award by the Foundation’s owner, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce are as follows:
- Ranicka Bryan, a netball player of the Convent of Mercy Academy;
- Athilia Pryce, a track and field athlete of Clarendon College;
- Zavier Brown, a track and field athlete of York Castle High;
- Kymani Francis, a football player of Alphansus Davis High;
- Kaysian Sewell of Wolmer’s High School for Girls;
- Cael Samuels, a footballer player of Wolmer’s Boys School;
- Euvia Bennett, a track and field athlete of St Elizabeth Technical High School.
Previously, the scholarship amount per student was $50,000, however, with assistance from sponsors such as Nike, the amount was raised to $100,000 per student. It will cover the cost of tuition and school supplies throughout the remainder of high school with the condition that the student maintains good grades and participates in sports.
Additionally, the scholarship awardee will receive a Digicel tablet valued at $25,000 and $2,000 credit; a $15,000 Nike gift card; a $15,000 book voucher; a voucher from Hi-Lo supermarket worth $10,000; a food basket from GraceKennedy valued at $10,000; as well as a $7,500 Nike book bag.
Spreading wisdom and guidance to the awardees, Fraser-Pryce spoke about her journey to become the woman she is today, whilst imploring them to continue striving for the best and taking advantage of the opportunity presented.
“Giving you this start is basically telling you that you too can see beyond where you are right now and have a bright future, and we believe that with the support of our sponsors, board of directors, the parents, the coaches, the school, we are able to give you access because access equals opportunity,” she said.
The Pocket Rocket Foundation, a non-profit organization, offers financial assistance through donations and fundraising endeavours to high school student-athletes (2nd – 6th Form) who represent their school in any sporting discipline.
Academic scholarships are intended to supplement their tuition and books.
