FHC Foundation presents $3.8m in scholarship and grants

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Sep 06, 2025 10:04 AM | Education
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FHC 2025 Primary Exit Profile Scholars (from 2nd left) Zamaryah Hines; Alake-Kia Burrell; Rajauni Horne; De-vonee Greenfield; Isabelle Thomas; Kayrah Fullerton; Taejha Goulbourne; Keira Forbes; and Kai’den Evering. Sharing the moment are: FHC Director of FHC Credit Union and Board Secretary FHC Foundation Nickiesha Walsh (left); Business Consultant and Motivation Speaker Jeffrey J. Azan (centre); and FHC Credit Union CEO Xavier Allen.

Fifteen scholars and three entrepreneurs received a share of $3.8 million in cash awards from the First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) and its Foundation. The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel under the theme, “Play to Win: Strength in Strategy, Power in Performance”.

Before the presentation of the awards, FHC CEO Xavier D. Allen told the audience that the theme offers great guidance to all.

“‘Play to Win: Strength in Strategy, Power in Performance’, captures exactly what it takes to succeed academically and in life. Playing to win requires planning, executing with precision, and delivering results with excellence,” Allen shared. “Winning begins long before the victory is celebrated. It starts with a plan and visualising your future. Then you must show up, put in the work, make daily small steps towards your goal to demonstrate your commitment to yourself.”

Allen also shared that he was proud to continue the FHC legacy to spread encouragement and monies to its scholars and grantees.

“FHC is an organisation with a proud history and deep responsibility of supporting its members by enhancing their wellbeing. We believe in the power of dreams backed by action as a gateway to a better future. At its heart, it is built on people helping people, and this ceremony is a clear example of that principle in action,” he said.

Islandwide Awardees

Over $600,000 in academic awards were accepted by Kai’den Evering; Alake-Kia Burrell; Kayrah Fullerton; Zamaryah Hines; and De-vonee Greenfield. They received five-year scholarships for their performance in the 2025 Primary Exit Profile Scholarship. There were also one-time bursaries given to Rajauni Horne; Isabelle Thomas; Keira Forbes; Taejha Goulbourne; and Garrecia Nelson.

In the tertiary categories, $1.7 million was shared for the Renald Mason, Oswald Thorbourne, and Sports Education scholarships.

The Renald Mason awards were accepted by Gayon Stewart of St. Joseph Teachers’ College and Tajhaun Bennett of University of the West Indies, Mona, while bursaries were awarded to Julian Clarke of Northern Caribbean University and Ronaldo Hitchman of Caribbean Maritime University.

University of the West Indies, Mona Banking and Finance student Tonique Orgill received the Oswald Thorbourne scholarship.

From G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports, Venecia Vaz was named scholar, while Lavana Shorter and Simoy Douglas received grants.

A total of $1.5 million was shared among three entrepreneurs: Shane Miller, owner of Stevos Weavos; Renae McEachron of Breezy Castle Farm; and Sadekie Harriott of The Party Vault.