Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
Rodney Davis (right), president and chief executive officer of Cable & Wireless Jamaica Ltd. (C&WJ), speaks to young hero, 11-year-old JeVaughn Francis (centre), while C&WJ vice-president of corporate communications, Errol Miller, looks on. The C&WJ representatives were visiting JeVaughn's school, St. Aloysius Primary in Kingston, to congratulate him for his recent rescue of a four-month-old child from a burning building. - PHOTO BY FABIAN LEDGISTER
CABLE AND Wireless Jamaica Ltd. (C&WJ) has rewarded JeVaughn Francis, an 11-year-old resident of Luke Lane who saved a neighbour's four-month-old infant from their burning house, in recognition of his selfless act.
Held at JeVaughn's school, St. Aloysius Primary, the ceremony dubbed 'A Hero Lies In You'' was attended by Rodney Davis, president and chief executive officer of C&WJ.
"What we want to relate is simple. When you do good things, good things will follow," Mr. Davis said.
The C&WJ president presented prizes to the young hero and challenged him to get to the secondary level, at which time the company will provide $30,000 per annum toward school expenses from first to fifth form.
The company made an additional commitment to finance the child's fixed (home) line for a year, along with a trip to a local camp of JeVaughn's choosing this summer.
The ceremony comprised of performances by the school choir and students Gordell Irving and Alicia Johnson.
SONG BROUGHT ON TEARS
Young Alicia's performance could be outlined as the outstanding moment of the ceremony, as she performed Mariah Carey's hit single, Hero, for JeVaughn. The talented pre-teen's rendition apparently inspired the crowd to briefly sing along with her, bringing tears to the young hero's eyes.
Not only was he lauded by his peers but by school staff as well.
"The St. Aloysius Primary School family congratulates JeVaughn for demonstrating the values of our school: belief in God, respect for life, helpfulness, and the family," said school principal Pauline Stephenson.
FREE BROADBAND ACCESS
In another philanthropic corporate move, the communications conglomerate will be giving the school free broadband access for a year to support Internet access in the school's computer lab.
"I want everyone here to remember this boy, because he will be doing other great things ... great acts such as this are an indication of what is to come," Mr. Davis said.
JeVaughn Francis was flung into the spotlight after he was featured on the cover of the January 6 STAR publication after running into the burning house to rescue the four-month-old infant.
