Scholarships are generally reserved for people who benefit from the lessons being taught in classrooms.
Mona Preparatory School teachers Susan Johnson and Fiona Kerr have found themselves on the receiving end of funding for tuition, with both receiving a grant from Express Canteen Services Limited named the Outstanding Teacher Scholarship.
Irony aside, the gesture took the women by surprise, leading to expressions of gratitude at their good fortune.
Kerr shared that her coming together with Mona Prep was supposed to be brief, but noted her extended time and changing roles after joining the institution over a decade ago.
“I have nothing but a heart of gratitude to extend to the Foster’s family and the administration of Mona Prep for this kind gesture,” she said, also referencing key partners in Express Canteen Services Limited, chairman Ryan Foster and his wife, Simone, who is the managing director.
Kerr said, “My journey at Mona Prep has been an amazing one. My tenure should have ended in four months when I began in January of 2013, but four months turned to 12 years.
“I would have served in several capacities; I taught in grade one for two years, assisted in the administrative office at one point, appointed as class teacher on several occasions and was appointed acting supervisor in grade one for one term, in 2022.”
Continuing, Kerr said, “In instances like these, saying thank you seems so inadequate. However, there are no better words to say than ‘thank you’. In a world where selfishness reigns, it’s good to know that there are still people who value others and know the importance of giving back.
“You have done for me what I was not, and still not able to do for myself. May the Lord reign down blessings on you in copious measure. Thank you once again.”
Johnson was just as thankful, highlighting that academic growth will assist her capacity to educate students requiring extra attention.
“To the Foster family of Express Canteen, it is indeed a great pleasure and honour to receive this Outstanding Teacher Scholarship. Thank you for your support and investment in my education and thank you for believing in me,” she said.
“This will assist me in becoming an even more effective educator in this field (special education) which has become my passion,” Johnson stated. “I promise you, with God’s help and guidance I will make the best of this opportunity given to me. May God continue to bless all your endeavours and business. Thank you.”
Express Canteen, which operates a concessionaire at Mona Prep, has already provided support to the institution, recently sponsoring, again, its children’s chess tournament that is held in conjunction with the Jamaica Chess Federation.
The company has also sponsored a number of other sporting/educational initiatives at prep and high schools, recently donating $500,000 to Sts Peter & Paul, plus supporting the successful Hydel High track and field programme that aided the Girls Champs winners, and others in the past at Immaculate Conception, Alpha Academy and Lannaman’s Prep.
Foster, who is a Christian, stated his penchant for helping.
“From inception I have always been a purporter of supporting the development of others, especially through educational attainment. These two teachers, Ms Kerr and Ms Johnson, have displayed exceptional dedication to nation building through education,” he said.
“This scholarship, ironically, is geared towards them both advancing their own pursuits in the classroom to ensure that they are further equipped to serve their school, Mona Prep, and its students.
“We will continue to give back to our stakeholders and ensure that we not only give the best nutritional value to our customers, but provide a holistic approach to nation building,” Foster added.
Mona Prep Principal Citrine Dixon expressed her “deepest appreciation and pride” for the scholarships afforded her staff.
“Mr Foster, your generosity speaks volumes about the value you place on education and the role of teachers in shaping our society. Thank you for partnering with us in such a meaningful way. Your support not only uplifts these two deserving educators, but inspires all of us to continue striving for excellence,” said Dixon.
“To our scholarship recipients –congratulations. Your dedication, passion, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. May this scholarship be a stepping stone toward even greater accomplishments.”
Foster congratulated the principal and her team for foresight in supporting “her own teachers’ development”.
“We wish them all the best,” he said. “It is not how much you have, but how much you can give to make a difference in the lives of others.”
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