Gem Thomas, a student attending the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus in Trinidad, is the recipient of a special scholarship initiative undertaken by the George family of St Patrick.
The family had a reunion in 2012 and decided to establish a Scholarship Committee which is managed by Denise George-Thompson, Carol-Jean George-Calliste and Tellis George. They objective was to recommend a Grenada student to be the recipient of an agriculture scholarship to the tune of EC$25,000.
“We took great pains to ensure that a deserving Grenadian, regardless of sex, political and religious affiliation, was selected,” said a press release from the family after the decision was made.
The best candidate based on merit, education, career goals and commitment to volunteer work towards community development was the judges’ guideline to a unanimous selection of Gem Thomas.
Applications were distributed on a widespread basis via media, TAMCC, Grenada Ministry of Education and Grenada Consulates in North America. The completed applications received by the George Reunion 2012 Scholarship Committee were made anonymous before submitting to the panel of judges. A team of esteemed judges:
Lance Garraway, Financial and Investment Advisor/past school teacher at the St George’s Anglican Senior School
Claudine Henwood, educator who taught in Grenada, Montreal, and Toronto and
Caldwell Taylor, Toronto Lawyer and ex-ambassador to the United Nations, judged the applicants on September 13, 2013. Gem Thomas was the judges’ selection as most deserving to receive the EC$25,000 George Family Reunion-2012 Scholarship Award.
Ecstatic Gem Thomas, who is pursuing a BSc degree in General Agriculture — Food Production. responded with gratitude; “My aim is to become an agriculture researcher, specialise in the needs and problems facing the Caribbean region, in particular my home paradise “Spice Isle” Grenada; a dream that was given an opportunity through this funding program.”
She has agreed to accept the scholarship and execute a bond with the George Family Reunion–2012 to serve the Tri-Island State for two years subsequent to the completion of her course of studies. This can be achieved either by working within the Ministry of Agriculture or private enterprise.
The George Family Reunion 2012 Scholarship Committee will be presenting the award on Thursday 28 November 2013 to Ms Thomas during a ceremony at the T A Marryshow Community College.
