‘Wagga’ Hunt Scholars Motivated by High Standard
VICE-PRINCIPAL of Kingston College, Marguerita Douglas-Hall, said the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation continues to make a big difference in the lives of scholarship recipients.
Yesterday, 12 students at the North Street-based school were presented with scholarship funds, gifts and a stipend ($15,000 each) for personal use, separate and apart from.
Seven and eight grade scholars were also given notebooks. And although a delay in the arrival of laptops meant the new sixth formers did not receive their devices on the day, the foundation’s co-chairman, Arnold McDonald, assured they would be delivered today.
Douglas-Hall pointed out that since the programme started, all their scholars have moved on to tertiary institutions, serving as an inspiration to the current scholars.
“Some of the scholars who have matriculated to university have gone on to even gain more scholarships. So the programme is in good stead,” she shared.
“This morning (yesterday) when they had an opportunity to speak, most said the ones that went before have done well and it motivates them to continue to work hard because they have seen how they have excelled and do not think they should deliver any less. So they are trying to maintain the standard that has been set,” she said.
She continued: “Prior to COVID they had interactive sessions where students could go to learn social skills. The scholarships also require that they participate in extra-curricular activities, which means they are well-rounded students.
“It is not just about providing academic support. It is not just about donating. They are willing to look at all the needs and act accordingly,” she commented.
Douglas-Hall added that scholars from both KC and Calabar owe a huge thanks to the foundation for making a positive impact on their development.
“We are forever grateful to the Hunt family and foundation members who continue to add more to the scholarships, especially in an economic climate of this kind.
“They continue to raise money to provide for so many scholarships. So as a school we are very appreciative of their effort,” she said.
Co-chairman of the foundation, Arnold McDonald, noted that they have provided more than $35 million in support since the programme started in 2009.
This year alone, approximately $2.8 million have been contributed to each school and McDonald pointed out that along with the US-Washington Chapter, which is headed by Hunt’s brother, Christopher Hunt, they will continue to make the sacrifice for the students.
“There are two committees. David’s brother is the co-chairman for that US committee and they do a lot of fundraising,” said McDonald.
“We (locals) are all responsible for corporate sponsorship and over the years we have had three main sponsors – Victoria Mutual Group, Proven Finance and the Gibson McCook Relays. Laptops are provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers,” he disclosed.
“The $100,000 will cover expenses such as school fees, lunch money, uniforms and book rental. Whatever needs the parents have that the $100,000 can cover, it can be used to cover those. And we will keep looking for funding to continue the programme,” he stated.
The second part of the presentation will continue this morning, with a similar handing over ceremony to the Calabar High scholarship recipients.
