In an extraordinary gesture aimed at motivating and encouraging its tertiary scholarship awardees beyond the usual financial support, the Supreme Ventures Foundation extended its tradition of hosting a special ‘Pep Up Luncheon’ for the cohort at the ROK Hotel on October 17. Hosted under the theme ‘Let’s Get Ready for the Road’, the event was marked by heartfelt camaraderie and meaningful presentations designed to equip the students with skills that will be helpful beyond their academic career.

Heather Goldson, the Director of the Supreme Ventures Foundation, expressed her pride and enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “This event holds a special place in our hearts as it represents not just an investment in the education of these young people but also a celebration of their potential and an opportunity to uplift them and encourage them along their academic journey.” As part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2021, the Foundation awarded twenty students who are wards of the state with financial aid that covered all expenses related to tuition, boarding, and other educational costs throughout their academic programs.

Staying true to the theme, road safety preparedness was atop the list of skills to which the students were exposed. Each student was excited to receive ten complimentary driving sessions from Grennell’s Driving School courtesy of SVF to set them on the path to acquiring their drivers’ licence. This announcement was made after Stephen Grennell, Director of Grennell’s Driving School delivered an informative presentation on road safety and preparedness.

Getting their minds and bodies ready for the road ahead was also of paramount importance and so the scholars engaged in a rejuvenating yoga session lead by Yoga practitioner Joanna Taylor of TrainFit Club.

Mr. Warren Thompson, Director of Children and Family Programmes at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, commended the Supreme Ventures Foundation for its ongoing commitment to these students. He emphasised the unique challenges faced by many of their peers in state institutions and lauded the Foundation for alleviating these obstacles, allowing the scholars to focus on their education. Mr. Thompson urged the students to recognise their responsibility to work hard, honouring not only themselves but also the Foundation and other supporters.

“Supreme Ventures has provided invaluable support to these students, removing obstacles that many of their peers still face. Recognise this privilege and use it as motivation to work hard. Commit not only to yourselves but to the Foundation and other supporters who believe in you. We’re here, fighting alongside you. Focus, put in the work, and envision your degree as a temporary hurdle to overcome. We’re cheering for you. Great things are on the horizon,” Mr. Thompson stated.

In addition to the complimentary driving session and yoga session, each scholar received a gift box brimming with supermarket and department store vouchers and other goodies. As a special recognition of exceptional performance, six students were presented with brand-new laptops, a token of encouragement for their academic journey.

Monae Williams, a Business Marketing student at Northern Caribbean University and one of the programme’s top performers, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “Today’s Pep-Up session reminded us that we are not alone in this journey. It’s a testament that there are people rooting for us and looking out for our future. This support means a lot, not just financially but also mentally and emotionally. I want to thank CPFSA, Supreme Ventures, and ROK Hotel for their tremendous support in building tomorrow’s future.”

The event concluded with Heather Goldson expressing her anticipation for the coming year, hinting at even more ambitious plans to support and honour the scholars.