By:Curtis Morton
Charlestown-Nevis-Four more students, two from the Charlestown Secondary School and two from the Gingerland Secondary school, are set to be awarded with the prestigious Alexander Hamilton scholarship, come this Friday-8th of January.
The Fund was established in 1965 by the Trott Family, to assist deserving secondary school students with uniforms, fees, books and other school supplies
Each scholarship holder currently receives EC$500 per annum for the duration of their secondary school career.
In an interview conducted on Tuesday 5th January, Director of the Community Development Department, Mrs. Janet Meloney, implored the general public to support the scholarship fund and by extension the deserving students, by purchasing tickets for one of the main fund raisers for the fund, which is the annual Alexander Hamilton tea party.
The event will be held at the grounds of the Alexander Hamilton Museum on Friday 8th January, commencing at 4.30 pm.
Mrs. Meloney noted that the cost of the delicious tea which has been at a mere EC $10.00 for many years, has been increased by an additional $5.00 this year, due to the current status of the fund.
The scholarship has been sustained by members and well-wishers of the Nevis Historical and Conservation Society (NHCS) past recipients and members of the community. It is administered by the Department of Community Development in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), in collaboration with the NHCS.
The Tea Party is hosted in commemoration of the birthday anniversary of Nevisian-born Alexander Hamilton, to raise awareness of the scholarship and to raise money for the Fund.
The scholarship holders who are carefully selected by the teachers and Guidance counselors at the two High schools, are expected to maintain good grades throughout their high school years and submit regular reports on their progress.
Additionally, they are expected to be involved in a number of hours of voluntary service, in conjunction with the NHCS and the Community Development Department.
The tea party this year, apart from the speeches by government and NHCS officials, will include entertainment by the exciting St.James’ Red Cross cultural group, among others.