Dozens of Saint Lucian students started the new academic year on Monday, backed by scholarships from the St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC).
The island’s lone power company is marking the 40th anniversary of its scholarship programme.
During its annual scholarship social, a class of 39 recipients, including 11 incoming students whose CPEA scores ranged impressively from 84.6 to 93.4%, were recognised.
Exclusively available to children of LUCELEC employees, the scholarship offers a comprehensive academic support package that includes the cost of approved textbooks, uniforms, stationery, school bags, school and facilities fees, and one-time CPEA and CAPE exam fees.
During her review of student performance in the previous academic year, programme chairperson Alphia Felix welcomed the newest scholars with words of encouragement.
“Your performance in the CPEA has earned you an opportunity, and we encourage you to maintain the high standard that brought you here today. Congratulations to all of you,” she said.
The 2024-2025 academic year saw seven scholarship students consistently meet or exceed the programme’s academic benchmarks. The top performing secondary school student was Aiden George, a form four student at St Mary’s College who ended last term with a 94.41 GPA. Shernan Jankie was the top performing tertiary student with a 3.70 GPA, and the most improved student was Alyssa Clery of the SDA Academy.
Speaking on the day’s theme, Empowered by excellence: Spotlighting determination, resilience & economic determination, LUCELEC’s Chief Strategy Officer Ian Peter encouraged the recipients to embrace a holistic view of excellence.
“Remember, being excellent isn’t just about getting top grades, it’s about being kind, helpful and determined no matter what. Keep chasing your goals, inspire friends, and know we at LUCELEC are here rooting for you always. We’re really proud to celebrate with you and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do next,” Peter said.
The keynote speaker at the scholarship social was Sherlon Leon, a certified development coach and head of sales at Sagicor Saint Lucia. He was part of the company’s scholarship programme from 1994 to 1999.
“Remember today, remember you were honoured for your academic ability,” Leon said. “You didn’t make it up; you achieved this. That means you can do it. And when the next challenge comes, remember I can do this, I did this before. I have the ability to conquer what some people think is not conquerable.”
“Parents, you, me – I am a parent myself; we play a crucial role. We’re not just providing financial support. We have the responsibility to help them recognise their unique strengths and abilities because you know what we have? We have this vantage point. We get to see them more than they see themselves.”
