Northern Caribbean University (NCU) recognised 25 of the most exemplary students in academics and citizenship, leadership, student employment, community, and residential hall life at the Students’ Stellar Awards 2022 held virtually on May via the University’s YouTube channel.
The Most Honourable Juliet Holness, Member of Parliament (MP) for East Rural St. Andrew and wife of the Prime Minister was the guest speaker at the event.
Speaking on this year’s theme for the awards – “Transcending Boundaries through Excellence” – Holness declared that excellence can be used to overcome stereotypes and transcend barriers of colour, class, culture, gender or economic constraints.
She also described NCU as a beacon of excellence in education and spiritual guidance.
“I am humbled… to bring this address at an institution that has inspired millions through your work in academia, research, spiritual teaching, and the practical exercise of faith-based principles. You not only teach it, or preach it – you eat, drink and live it,” Holness said.
Masters of Ceremony for the event were the acclaimed husband and wife duo, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, broadcaster and social media personality; and Brian Cuff, faculty members and administrator at the Department of Communication Studies (DCS).
The largest award category of the evening was the “Exemplary Academic and Citizenship Award.” Students received this honour by maintaining GPAs of 3.5 or above and participated in several university extra-curricular activities, often in leadership positions.
Some of the awardees were Denielle Miller-Smith, President of the Graduating Class of 2022; Roger Williams, an ordained Elder in the University Church; and Imani Adonis, Vice President of the CHIPS Club, who introduced the first Semi-Code CON held in October 2021.
Neil Brivette, United Student Movement (USM) President; and Garcia Gordon, President of the Society of Mathematics and Engineers Club, were named the “Most Outstanding Student Leaders” this year.
Eight students were awarded the “Most Outstanding Student Worker,” including Damoni Sappleton in the Office of Special Events and Hospitality Services and Akhalia Brown in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.
Double awardees at the event were Stephanie Wright and Roneil Williams, students in the College of Humanities, Behavioural and Social Sciences, who won both the awards of “Exemplary Academic and Citizenship” and “Most Outstanding Student Worker.”
The “Most Outstanding Community Student” award went to Caslyn Campbell and Shenell Pompey. Abbigayle Brown of Leila Reid Hall, Davonia Christie of Jamaica Hall, and Howard Grant of Cedar Hall were chosen as the “Most Outstanding Resident Hall Students.”
Past student, Suzell Wray, was honoured with the special “VP of Student Services Award.” Wray served as the USM Director of Publications in the 2020/21 academic year and received the accolade for pioneering “Topics on the Hill,” a student-led news and current affairs programme that is now aired on NCU TV.
The Student Stellar Awards is staged annually by the Division of Student Services to affirm students who display sterling performances and exemplary citizenship. It is usually combined with a banquet, but it was postponed this year because of challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student Services Interim Vice President, Carolyn Marie Smith, suggested that the awards and banquet could return to a physical setting next year.
“Based on the feedback we have received; we know that the resumption of in-person banquet modality is highly anticipated by our students. We have already begun to discuss ways in which to expand and include more opportunities for affirmation and recognition in 2023, as the Lord wills,” Smith said.
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