TWELVE KINGSTON College students received scholarship funds as well as other donations from the David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Foundation during the organisation’s annual scholarship presentation at the school’s North Street location yesterday.
Foundation co-chairman Arnold McDonald noted that late last year, the foundation provided both Kingston College and Calabar with financial support for their Manning Cup programmes as well as $1 million each to assist with remote learning.
However, McDonald stated that supporting the scholars was the real purpose of the foundation and that the foundation was committed to ensuring that this continues for a long time.
“When we did it last year, it is normally a part of the programme where we support both schools’ Manning Cup teams by giving them some funds.”
“But this particular presentation is about the David Hunt Foundation scholarships, which is the main purpose of the foundation, to provide scholarships to students from KC and Calabar,” he noted.“
This is an official ceremony to recognize the scholars. We are celebrating operating since 2009 and having contributed over $35 million to support these scholars,” he said
Letter Of Recognition
The twelve students were provided with a letter of recognition and $100,000, specific for the scholarship, a gift, and $15 000 to use as they desire. Seventh- and eighth-grade scholarship recipients were also given notebooks.
There was to have been the delivery of laptops to new sixth-formers, but a delay has pushed that back to today. In all, the David Hunt Foundation has provided approximately $2.8 million in support to the North Street school this year and will be making a similar presentation to Calabar High School this morning.
McDonald said the organisation remains as committed as ever to the students and will continue to raise the funds needed to support this cause.
“This presentation was delayed by COVID. We would have normally done it at the start of the (school) year. “But we did it, and we will keep looking for funding to continue the programme,” said McDonald.
The $100,000 will cover expenses such as school fees, lunch money, uniforms, and book rental. “Whatever needs the parent have that the $100,000 can cover, it could be used to cover those,” said McDonald.
Big Impact of David Hunt Foundation
KC vice-principal, Marguerita Douglas-Hall, said the foundation’s impact has been massive as it provides more than just financial support.
“For the David Hunt Foundation scholarship to be in its 12th year, that alone shows commitment. And when students can be provided with school resources, it means they are less trouble for teachers,” said Douglas-Hall.
“They do not just say the scholarship is $100,000 and leave it at that. They give them an additional $15,000 for them to do whatever they want with it.“ They provided them with devices and other equipment. So they look at the needs of the times and act accordingly.
“The COVID period presented a whole lot of challenges, but they have acted accordingly. So it is not just about donating. They are willing to look at all the needs,” she said.
The late David “Wagga” Hunt, who passed in 2007, was a past student of Kingston College; co-founder of Meadhaven United Football Club; former general secretary of the Kingston & St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA), Calabar Manning Cup coach, and a former national youth coach.
Hunt, who led Calabar to the Manning Cup and Olivier Shield double in 2005 was also one of Jamaica’s foremost track-and-field analysts.
Contact the Big Impact of David Hunt Foundation at https://www.davidwaggahunt.org/
Twelve scholarships on 12th anniversary of David Hunt Foundation by livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com in the Jamaica Gleaner.
