Twenty-three students from five high schools have received grants totalling $375,000 from the Roy Lee Scholarship Foundation.

The foundation was set up by the family of the late Linstead businessman to honour his memory and continue his spirit of benevolence, and the inaugural awards presentation was held Wednesday at the Enos Barrett Multi-purpose Auditorium at Dinthill Technical High School in St Catherine.

Chairperson of the foundation, Jade Lee, told awardees to make the best use of the opportunity.

"My father was a person who believed that education is the way forward and the family, in honouring his legacy, would want you all to do the very best with the grants that you are receiving,'' Lee said to rousing applause.

Sentiments expressed

The sentiments expressed by Lee were echoed by Mary Nichols, the education ministry's Region Six director, who welcomed the initiative by the group.

"Please do not let down the foundation which has made you into scholars," Nichols told the awardees. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime for which many have been qualified. However, you are the chosen ones."

She also asked that the awardees' parents play an integral role in making sure their children are successful in the programme, as this would make them better prepared for the future.

Special mention was in order for a number of companies that contributed to the foundation's fund-raising efforts.

Lee told The Gleaner that the aim was to structure the giving nature of her father, who assisted many during his lifetime.

"Giving to education is nation building and that's why we target these schools, and next year we intend to expand it,'' Lee said.

The awardees are from high schools Dinthill Technical, Bog Walk, McGrath, Ewarton and Charlemont. Each awardee received $75,000.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com