Gavin Wallace says he's been given a second bowl at life.

Tell Strycen Williams and Gavin Wallace that Jamaica has no hope and they'll say you've got it all wrong.

Products of poverty, both youths have tasted success from the menu of labour and luck and are now among the island's brightest stars.

They are two among dozens of Jamaicans to have gained scholarships from Capital and Credit Financial Group (CCFG).

Williams, 16, a past student of the Iris Gelly Primary School in St Andrew, snared sponsorship through excellence in the Grade Six Achievement Test, landing her in the top five for Jamaica.

Despite her family's economic hardships, Williams is one of the brainboxes who is trying to rehabilitate the image of Arnett Gardens, a low-income community in southern St Andrew. Why? Simple. She has the audacity of hope.

"My parents always have confidence in me and I always knew I would do well, no matter what it takes," she declared.

Williams said her dream of attending one of the country's top high schools was in danger of being shattered because of her parents' financial woes.

Currently, her secondary-level education is being financed by Capital and Credit.

Capital and Credit boss Ryland Campbell smooches Immaculate High student Strycen Williams. She encourages fellow youths to go for their goals. - file photos

"I get money yearly from CCFG to put me through school, but in order to be qualified for the following year, I must maintain good grades," she said.

But that's no problem for Williams. She obtained six distinctions and two credits in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, which earned her top billing among the five best performers in southern St Andrew.

Though her achievements might suggest she is a bookworm, Williams said she doesn't spend much time beating the books.

"I like to stay inside, but I don't study a lot, because that is not me, but I read widely to broaden my knowledge," she said.

The aspiring financial analyst, who is now in grade 12 at the Immaculate Conception High School, plans to pursue further studies at the University of the West Indies.

The budding star takes time out to encourage persons to fight through their trials.

"Go for your goals and don't allow anything to stop you. No matter where you're from, all you need to do is stay focused," she explained.

Wallace's story

Wallace has a similar story. An orphan since age nine, he said he had no hope until CCFG stepped in. He said his aunt, with whom he lived, could not afford to meet all his financial demands so he had to get help from other relatives.

Circumstances such as going to his alma mater, St Jago, with only bus fare in his pockets often depressed him as a high-schooler.

"I felt sad when I saw other persons buying what they wanted. I wished I were in a different situation,"

Wallace, 24, said.

He passed five CSEC subjects, which helped him gain a scholarship to attend the University of Technology, where he accomplished a

second-class honours bachelor's degree in finance.

Wallace, part of the web of wily spin bowlers in Jamaica's senior cricket team, works hard to balance sports and his academic ambitions.

"I disciplined myself, so when it's time for cricket, it's that time, but when it's time for the book, I dedicate my time to it," he told The Gleaner.

Outstanding individuals

Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Capital and Credit senior vice-president of group marketing and corporate affairs, said the two recipients are outstanding individuals who continue to strive for excellence.

"When you see stars like these two individuals, you have to move the obstacles out of the way so that the stars can shine," Wilson-Reynolds told The Gleaner.

"These persons have proven the faith that one should have in oneself despite the challenges."

Since 1996, Capital and Credit has sought to promote excellence in education through its scholarship programmes, which provide assistance to Jamaican students to pursue studies at the secondary and tertiary levels. Thirty-four scholarships valued at more than $2.6 million were awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year.

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com