General manager of the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Dermot Connolly (left), and Human Resources Director Carmelita Olverson (right) hand over grants valued at $1.35 million to more than 70 employees whose children are excelling at school. Seven of them were adjudged high achievers and were hosted at a special luncheon at the hotel. They are (from third left, front row) Kadeisha Fisher, Tomair Thompson, Giselle Campbell; (from left, back row) Shauna-Marie Hendricks, Douglas Bowen and Shanique Williams. - Photo by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

While many employers are cutting back on spending, Montego Bay's Rose Hall Resort and Spa has introduced a special grant recognising seven employees' children who have recorded outstanding academic achievements this year.

The grants, which complement the hotel's annual education assistance programme, totals $1.35 million. Seventy-three of the hotel employees' children qualify under the assistance programme.

Top achievers

The seven top achievers, three from the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) level, two from high schools and two who are currently enrolled in universities locally and internationally, were feted at a recent luncheon at the Hilton-branded resort.

"We are so excited that we are able to do this during such an economically challenging time," stated Carmelita Olverson, the resort's human resources director in her congratulatory message.

The six girls and one boy, Kadiesha Fisher and Toni-Ann Bailey of Montego Bay High; Tomair Thompson and Giselle Campbell of Mt Alvernia High; Shauna-Marie Williams, an aerospace engineering student at the Worchester Polytechnic Institute; Shanique Williams, who is studying accounting at the University of the West Indies; and Douglas Bowen, a Munro College student, were lauded for making their parents proud.

"We recognise the importance of investing in young lives. That's part of the vision that we at Rose Hall have," said the resort's general manager, Dermot Connolly, who tagged the gesture "a small gesture from us".

Dream big

Urging the seven to pounce on opportunities, Connolly encouraged the children to continue to dream big.

Heartened by the move, Dennis Campbell, whose 11-year-old daughter Giselle, earned a GSAT average of 94 per cent, said that the hotel's initiative was a testament to its commitment towards youth development.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com