National netballer, Crystal Gordon, one of the scholarship recipients. - File

National representatives Crystal Gordon and Rayon Lawrence were among 19 student/athletes issued with scholarships by G.C. Foster College of Physical Education last Friday.

Gordon, who represented Jamaica at the recently concluded World Youth Netball Championships, and Lawrence, a member of Jamaica's team to the Central America and Caribbean Championships, had their $168,350 yearly scholarship package made official at a press luncheon held at the school's campus in Angels, St Catherine.

The 19 recipients include 11 track and field athletes, three netballers, two cricketers and one each in the disciplines of football, hockey and volleyball.

Edward Shakes, principal at G.C. Foster College, said these scholarships are important because over the years students have encountered difficulties paying tuition fees.

"We have found over the years we have had persons who come forward, but need assistance and so we have developed this scholarship programme to provide this assistance for them," he explained.

As a pre-requisite for the scholarships, Shakes said the students will "have to prove themselves as worthy athletes. They have to do well, because they are going to be representing G.C. Foster.

Good ambassadors

"We selected some of the best coming out of the high schools, identified them by their talent and also we looked at their ability to perform at the tertiary level academically," he pointed out.

"We expect them to be good students, good ambassadors of the college when they represent us," he added.

The principal also stated that the beneficiaries would have to maintain academic excellence.

"For example, they need to maintain a B average in order to maintain the scholarship," he said.

Danny Hawthorne, national track and field coach, and lecturer at the college, told the students that they are blessed, as "many others would've wanted these scholarships.

"I want you to use it wisely," he urged.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, Lawrence said: "Thanks to G.C. Foster College. We are very grateful for it."

The recipients are Seroya Wright (football), Pickiesha Powell (national hockey goalkeeper), Twishana Williams (national track and field), Augra Segree (national track athlete), Deborah Rose (national track and field), Tamara Keane (track and field), Sashane Gayle (track and field), Marcia Harrison (track and field), Stacy Bell (track and field), Crystal Gordon (national netball), Yanique Gordon (netballer), Sasha Lynch (netballer), Andrew McMillan (cricket), Rajiv Chattrie (cricket), Rayon Lawrence (national track and field), Gregory Morgan (national track and field), Shavoy Irving (national volleyball), Adolphus Nevers (track and field), Melvin Weller (track and field).