The Tribune

Freeport, Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority Limited (GBPA) is backing The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Programme. Introduced in 1997, the event is a premier national awards recognition programme for 6th graders in the Bahamas.

At the outset, 31 students representing all New Providence schools were recognised.

In 2012, 112 students representing 14 islands assembled to compete for the coveted title of ‘National Primary School Student of the Year’.

As this year’s honourees prepare to converge in Nassau for the upcoming awards ceremony in May, GBPA’s Director of Community Relations, Geneva Rutherford, presented a cheque to Felix Bowe Jr, Grand Bahama Liaison Officer for The Bahamas Primary School Foundation.

“The Port Authority has supported this event over the years because of its main focus in bringing top achieving young students together from around the country and awarding them, including many local students from Grand Bahama,” said Rutherford.

In the past, three Grand Bahama students have captured the title and this year’s local finalists are looking forward to excelling once again on a national level.

“We are highly supportive of the promotion of education and are always willing to assist, whether it’s by the building of schools, our ongoing scholarship programme, and in this case, the recognition of academic success,” Rutherford added.

In accepting the donation, Bowe thanked GBPA for their financial contribution.

“It is commendable to receive such corporate support. The young people of today are our future and this is the best way that any corporate entity can aid in encouraging them to reach their goals and giving them a sense of accomplishment,” he said.

Now in its 17th year, The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Programme continues to recognise the brightest and best students at the primary school level. It rewards those who are not only academically gifted but altruistic as well, serving as civic and campus leaders and community volunteers.

“We offer congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, their parents, teachers and others who’ve served as mentors. Keep up the good work that earned you national recognition and we wish you much success in the years to come,” Rutherford added.