Two more students in the Virgin Islands can benefit from scholarships being made available for differently-abled students to continue their education at Vanguard School in Florida.

 In announcing the two full scholarships, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn underscored his ministry’s goal to create opportunities for the educational advancement of all students.

Minister Walwyn said, “The continuation of this scholarship opportunity proves the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all students in the Territory have an opportunity to reach their full potential.” 

Last year, the ministry awarded full academic scholarships to students, Shamori Palmer and Kaheem Malone to attend the Vanguard School to complete their secondary education.

Mr. Sean Palmer, father of Shamori, said his son is progressing well and is enjoying the programme.

“I have seen improvements both academically and socially and this institution provided an excellent opportunity for Shamori to work in an environment conducive to his learning style,” he said.

Kaheem Malone’s mother, Ms. Shermika Nibbs, stated that she has also seen major improvements in her son.

“He now has a grade point average of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. I am happy to see that the ministry is making students with special needs a priority and I look forward to seeing teachers being trained to accommodate such students here in the Virgin Islands,” Ms. Nibbs said.

The 2015 awardees will receive full scholarships for a period of five years to attend the Vanguard School in Florida, an institution open to students from grades five to 12 with various learning differences.

Parents of children who are differently-abled and are desirous of applying for scholarships under this programme are encouraged to submit a letter of application to the Ministry of Education and Culture. The letter should be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcia Potter, to the attention of Ms. Sabrina Matthew.  The application deadline for the 2015-2016 school year is April 30.

The Ministry of Education and Culture remains committed to providing opportunities for all students as it endeavours to Create a Culture of Excellence.