44 West Portland students awarded for PEP performance
Published:Monday | July 21, 2025 | 12:10 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Buff Bay, Portland:
Forty-four students from West Portland have been awarded for their outstanding performances, as shown in the recently released Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination results.
The students were selected from 22 schools, which saw the top boy and girl from the respective institutions receiving trophies, cash, and scholarships from Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz during an awards ceremony held last Friday at Lynch Park in Buff Bay, Portland.
The awards function, in its fourth year, saw each student receiving $15,000 book vouchers and $15,000 cash assistance each for their first year at high school.
“Today, we are acknowledging the hard work of our boys and girls. This year, we have a total of 44 students from 22 schools,” stated Vaz.
“For the 2023-2024 academic year, at least 40 students were the beneficiaries of stipend, rent, accommodation, and lunch grant from my mentorship programme. Approximately $7 million was spent to assist students from primary to tertiary level,” Vaz said.
Based on merit and need
“For the 2024-2025 academic year, I will assist at least 50 deserving students, based on merit and need, with a $5,000 stipend fortnightly. This will cost approximately $5.5 million. The most deserving students and those with the greatest need will be reviewed to continue on the programme from last year. Annually I spend in excess of $7.5 million for my special award and mentorship programme.”
Additionally, 25 educators with a career spanning from 20 years to 42 years, along with 13 auxiliary workers serving up to 32 years, were awarded at the function for their outstanding contribution towards education, as well as for their invaluable service.