The students received $30,000 each. The disbursement will be repeated for the next academic year if the scholarship awardees maintain their grades and discipline. The handover ceremonies were held at three locations in the company's operating areas of Halse Hall, Clarendon; Williamsfield and St Jago, Manchester.

Battled the odds

Pamela White, Jamalco's public and community relations administrator, said the company was glad to help students who had battled the odds to succeed.

"We are proud of this programme because it gives the company an opportunity to give back to our communities in a meaningful way," she said, while imploring the students to do their best and involve themselves in extracurricular activities at their respective schools.

The five-year programme began in 2008.