Students from across the island met at the Spinners Night Club on Wednesday June 27th for the Junior Achievement Awards Ceremony 2012. Held under the patronage of Her Excellency The Governor General Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Junior Achievement St Lucia Programme empowers young people to own their economic success. Students of primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary levels engage in activities over the course of a year that give them practical experience in the operation of businesses in the free enterprise system.
The awards ceremony is the climax of the event where the work of students is recognized and rewarded. The event began shortly after the arrival of the Governor General, with a spirited rendition of the National Anthem by the La Guerre Combined School followed by a prayer from the Fond Assau Combined.
Chairman of the JA-SLU Board of Directors Christian Husbands spoke glowingly about the program, advising that all students should one day be able to have the JA experience. His advice to students was that they understand that the business world was about building relationships, whether it be with partners, customers or the community.
“This is the factor that will determine whether your company will survive,” he said. “Treasure those relationships.”
Husbands was especially thankful to the sponsors and volunteers from the business sector who have continued to support the Junior Achievement programme.
The La Croix Combined School Grade II Achievers then treated the audience to a spirited song about the meaning of community. A highlight of the ceremony was a presentation by the Grande Riviere Combined School who told the audience about their JA project, which incuded a school garden.
Ms Agnella Joseph, Program Coordinator, gave an overview of the programme.
An inspiring speech by proprietor of Mauricette’s Auto Repairs and Car Rental, Hilron Mauricette took students on his journey of success. He spoke to students about loving what they decide to do and always working with integrity.
The presentation of awards saw some big winners, especially from the Choiseul Secondary School, whose company was called Guiding Litz, and had at its core events management. Sales Person of the Year was awarded to that school’s Kiah Xavier. The school with the Best Records was also Choiseul Secondary while Gros Islet Secondary’s Modern Designs Plus came in second and Entrepot’s Sparkles Inc in third.
Choiseul would return to the stage again to collect the top prize for the Highest Return on Investment followed by Gros Islet and Entrepot in third.
The coveted Company of the Year award not surprisingly went to Choiseul Secondary, followed by Gros Islet and Entrepot.
A special award of the day—the Governor General’s Award for Innovation, Creativity and Originality was presented by Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy to the Gros Islet Secondary School. The Achiever of the Year was Wilton Jeremy of the Vieux Fort Comprehensive.
Also singled out at the ceremony for prizes were dedicated teacher advisors and volunteers.
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