A high value is placed on student success at all levels of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP).

This was made clear today as students from across several divisions received awards for achievements in academics, sports and other areas during a brief ceremony at the institution in Wildey, St. Michael.

Chairman of the Board of Management of the SJPP, Desmond Browne, in addressing the event said: ???In a place like this the first value should be student success and we would measure what happens here by how successful students are and what happens here based on what they do and if the level of success is not high, then you need to re-evaluate what they do.

???Success is easily measured these days in a variety of ways. The things that we do can be measured, quantified, recognised and certified. But it is important for you to feel that way too – that you are in a place where success is what you do!???

Telling students that they were now in an age where creativity and innovation counted more to some extent than academic learning, Mr. Browne stressed that the technical and vocational skills being taught today could take them into new areas of achievement and contribute to their success.

And, he urged those gathered not to think of themselves as being prepared only for the local market place but to ???also to work anywhere??? in the world.

Noting that technical and vocational skills as well as those acquired through sports were engaging attention worldwide and being remunerated highly, the chairman added that even looking after the elderly or young people was also being regarded in the same light.

Meanwhile, Principal of the SJPP, Hector Belle lauded the inaugural awards ceremony and assured the media that it would be an annual event. ???It makes students more aware that what they have been doing at the Polytechnic can bring them recognition and at the same time we hope it touches the hearts and minds of those who were not yet recognised such that it can inspire them to follow their fellow students,??? he said, after the ceremony.

Two students in the agricultural division ??? Zikki Corbin and Ryan Jordan – were rewarded for their aquaponics display at Agrofest 2014 and World Skills Barbados. The Under 19 SJPP football team along with Coach Derek Hurley, received trophies for winning the championship last month and doing a three-peat from 2011 to 2013.

The institution also presented Janee Denny and Kemar Husbands – two catering students – and their Economics and Catering instructor Winifred Banfield with awards for winning the top prize for the Junior Duelling Challenge ??? Agrofest 2014. Also in winner???s row was Samantha Yearwood, a student from the garment-making programme who came first in the World Skills Barbados competition, hosted last month at the SJPP.

Additionally, over 20 students who attained a grade point average of above 3.75 were recognised in areas such as nursing, electrical engineering and agriculture.

joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb

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