St Richard’s Class of 2000 gifts Legacy scholarships to students

Eleven-year-old Morganne Brown was filled with bittersweet emotions as she tried her best to balance melancholy with joy during her graduation yesterday.

“I feel sad but I’m also elated because I’m moving on to my next step in my life, which is high school, and I hope to excel in high school too,” said the proud St Richard’s Primary graduate. “But for graduating, I’m sad in my heart because I’m leaving the school I’ve been [at] for six years … but I’m happy to be moving on.”

Brown, the top girl in her class and a member of the school’s quiz team, was one of 25 students chosen to receive a $25,000 education grant yesterday, courtesy of the St Richard’s Primary Class of 2000, in celebration of their 25th graduation anniversary.

The initiative, called the Class of 2000 Legacy Project, has gifted a total of $625,000 to high-performing, well-behaved students who also showed financial need. The grant was presented as a surprise during the school’s graduation ceremony.

For Brown, it was more than just money. This signified hope.

Moments before the scholarship announcements, Brown told The Gleaner, “If I were to get a scholarship today, I would feel amazing. I would feel extremely happy and it would really help my mother out... . My mom works super hard,” she said, not knowing her name was about to be called.

She added that this year she made a commitment to herself and her future, and her efforts surely paid off as she achieved her goal by matriculating to Campion College.

“This school year I really settled on my books and academics, because last school year I was playing out the entire school year. So this year I settled down and I really worked hard. And I got the second highest score out of the entire grade six, so I’m feeling pretty good.”

SEEKING ADDITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Brown has also applied for additional scholarships to cover the costs of attending Campion College. She said she would use any scholarship received towards her academics.

“I’m extremely focused because I want to maintain that scholarship at a high academic level. It would be extremely helpful in supplying my books, work and academics throughout my high school years.”

If given the chance to speak to her donor, Brown already had her words prepared.

“I would say thank you so much for everything and thank you for the scholarship. I really appreciate it. And, honestly, [you] would be an amazing person to give me the scholarship.”

One of the minds behind this outpouring of generosity is Shauna Moore-Gutzmore, the coordinator of the project.

Speaking with The Gleaner, Moore-Gutzmore said the desire to give back was deeply personal.

“I’m very passionate about assisting students in such a manner,” she said. “I am coming from not necessarily a single mother home, but for my high school years, there was no daddy help. There was no father figure to help with back-to-school.”

Moore-Gutzmore has also been active in her church and community for years, helping to raise sponsorship for at least two students annually.

“I’ve seen book lists up to $40,000. I don’t know how some single mothers actually manage with two, three children,” she said.

Initially, the Class of 2000 wanted to donate laptops or tablets.

“We know that technology is the way to go and some students are graduating today [without any] device to continue in high school,” she explained. “When I looked at the logistics... I realised it would be easier if we did $25,000.”

In total, 32 members of the graduating class came together to donate $642,000. After administrative fees, $625,000 was deposited directly into the school’s account.

She added that the Legacy Project hopes to inspire other alumni to do the same.

“I would love if the other classes that have graduated after us… could come back next year and give something similar. Not just here at St Richard’s, but throughout. There’s a lot of energy and resources giving back at a high school level. We don’t see this being reciprocated at a primary school level.”

As part of the long-term vision, Moore-Gutzmore hopes the pending St Richard’s Primary Past Students Association will be established by the end of 2025.

But, the celebration didn’t end there. Senator Delano Seiveright also pledged on Tuesday to give an additional $200,000 towards the Legacy Project.

IMPROVING EDUCATION

“The launch of the Karl Samuda and Pauline Samuda Scholarships is a testament to what we can accomplish when our community stands together,” Seiveright said.

“Every school in the constituency will benefit from these scholarships, which honour the tremendous work of the Samudas over many years to improve education, upgrade school facilities, and support young people.”

Seiveright also promised to give televisions, air conditioning units, fans, and other resources to schools in St Andrew North Central.

“As someone committed to education and opportunity for all, I believe these efforts will make a real and lasting difference,” he said.

While still reflecting on the months of planning, Moore-Gutzmore shone with pride.

“I alone could not donate $625,000 today… . But, as a team, as a group, anything is possible,” she said.

“A part of the journey, we were stuck. Then in May, the floodgates of heaven just opened, and the donations just kept being transferred and transferred.”

She hopes that in due time, the same students being helped today will be inspired to help in the future.

“I know that going forward, these same recipients… might pay it forward in another 10 years. I don’t want anybody to wait for 25 years. I would love if they could do it in 10 years, 15 years, and just keep the momentum and help as many. Each one help one. Each one reach one.”

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com