TESTIMONIALS

Dear: David Wagga Hunt Family, Scholarship Committee, Donors, and Supporters,

Words can hardly express the depth of gratitude my family and I feel for the tremendous impact the Wagga Hunt Scholarship has had on our lives. From the very moment we were informed by Ms. Watson in 8th grade that we had been awarded this prestigious scholarship, our lives changed forever. I can still remember the overwhelming emotions that filled our hearts that day. For my family, it was more than just financial assistance it was relief, hope, and the reassurance our mother needed that she would not have to carry such a heavy burden alone.

Growing up, there were days when providing lunch money or covering school expenses was not easy for our mother. Yet she continued to sacrifice everything she had to ensure we received an education and an opportunity at a better future. The Wagga Hunt Scholarship did not simply help us attend school; it brought stability and peace of mind into our home during some of our most challenging years. It gave us something even greater a family. And with family comes unconditional love, guidance, support, security, and shared experiences that shape character and build resilience. Those values carried us throughout high school and continued to guide us through college.

The scholarship also taught us responsibility from an early age. We understood that being awarded such an opportunity came with expectations: hard work, sacrifice, discipline, time management, commitment, and maintaining a high standard both academically, athletically and personally. Those principles became the foundation upon which we built our lives. The scholarship committee members, mentors, and past recipients who came before us served as examples of excellence and inspired us to strive for success despite any obstacles we faced.

I must also pay special tribute to Mr. Hamlin Pagon our beloved “Papa P” or “Sir P.” Coach, mentor, father figure, and one of the greatest influences in our lives both on and off the track. The late nights at training, the early morning workouts near your home, and the motivational talks whenever Gio and I felt tired or discouraged are memories we will carry forever. Only you, Gio, and I truly know the full story behind the sweat, tears, laughter, complaints, sacrifices, and determination that shaped us. You never turned us away, even on our hardest days. You did not just teach us how to pursue success you taught us how to keep fighting when success did not come immediately. That lesson has become one of the greatest gifts we have ever received. To us, that is what a true father figure looks like, and for that, we say thank you, Sir P.

Today, as college graduates preparing to further our education toward a master’s degree, we recognize that this journey began with the opportunity the Wagga Hunt Scholarship provided. The same discipline, accountability, and perseverance that Kingston College and this scholarship program demanded of us are the very qualities that continue to guide our lives today.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to every donor who has contributed their hard-earned resources to support the dreams of students from Kingston College and Calabar High School. Please know that your generosity never goes unnoticed. Every contribution, every sacrifice, and every act of kindness has changed lives in ways words cannot fully capture. Past and present recipients alike remain forever grateful.

To the current and future recipients of this scholarship, understand that you are becoming part of something much greater than financial assistance you are joining a family of supportive individuals who believe in your potential and your future. There will undoubtedly be challenges along the journey, but always remember that there is a strong support system standing behind you every step of the way. Continue to strive for “The Utmost for the Highest,” and never forget the words that inspire us all: “The Brave May Fall, But Never Yield.”
On behalf of my family, thank you for believing in us, investing in us, and helping shape the people we are today. Your impact will live on through every achievement we accomplish and every life we are able to inspire in return.

With deepest gratitude and respect,

                              ~Gianni Henry