Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, February 23, 2023 [Press Secretary, PMO]: Thirteen students from each of the eight (8) public schools on the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, were recipients of the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship on Thursday 23^rd February 2023.

The scholarship falls under the umbrella of St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board.

The students were honoured during a Scholarship Induction Ceremony as part of the Social Security Board’s 45^th Anniversary celebrations which are being held under the theme “Transform, Reform, Thrive: Social Security 45”. The event was held at the E. St. John Payne Annex of the Social Security Robert Lewellyn Bradshaw Building.

This year’s recipients are Tamyiah Hodge and Joshyan Percival of the Washington Archibald High School; Jah-Rule Ryan of the Cayon High School; Tariek Hendricks – Basseterre High School; Anaikwan Dormoy – Verchilds High; Shequan Liddie, Denyjah Matthew and K’Zenique Flemming of Charles E. Mills Secondary; Vaydan Clarke-Neal and Kezia Phillip of the Gingerland Secondary School; Jayisha Christopher of Charlestown Secondary; and Yeshua Langley and Raiden Blair of the Saddlers Secondary School.

Established in 1983, the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship has provided financial assistance to over 200 students and more than $2 million has been committed to the students’ direct support over the forty (40) years.

In attendance at the Ceremony were the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Minister with responsibility for Social Security et al; the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for Education et al; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Mrs. Lisa Archibald-Pistana; Chair of the Social Security  Board, Mrs. Janet Harris; Deputy Chair of the Social Security Board, Mr. Curtis Martin; Social Security Board Member and Chair of the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship Committee, Mrs. Gillian Blake; other Social Security Board Members; Social Security Director (Ag), Ms. Marilyn Johnson; Staff of Social Security; parents, and other well-wishers.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew delivered special remarks at the ceremony, congratulating and encouraging the students and lauding the Social Security Board (SSB) for their continued efforts in supporting educational advancements within the Federation.

“Social Security understands the significance of investing in our youth. We recognize the need to make available resources to transform, empower, mold, and guide our youth so that they can thrive and successfully accomplish their dreams. This scholarship programme is an excellent stepping stone” Prime Minister Drew stated.

While addressing the students, he added, “You are not here by accident; you are here because you have promise…because you have worked hard. You have a bright and open future ahead of you, be wise, remain focused, and be bold. I urge you to take advantage of every convenience afforded you through this programme. Use it as an asset to build your resume, character, and discipline. Be intentional.”

While encouraging the scholarship recipients to strive for the best, the Prime Minister also highlighted several notable personalities within the Federation who were also recipients of the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship. Popular radio personality, Mr. Leslie “Sugar Bowl” Morton; Principal of the Verchilds High School, Mr. Miguel Thomas; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Ms. Azilla Clarke; Dr. Tishanna Hazel; Dr. Chanella Nisbett; and Premier of Nevis, Hon. Mark Brantley were some of the names listed as former scholarship recipients.

During Thursday’s ceremony, seven (7) fifth (5^th) form graduates of the Susanna Lee High School Scholarship programme were also recognized for their academic achievements in the recent Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

One of the seven (7) fifth (5^th) form graduates, Joshornnia Edwards, of the Verchilds High School, was identified as the Caribbean’s Top Female CXC-CCSLC student of 2022.